A newly-formed National Ukrainian Choir in Ireland has teamed up with songwriter Phil Coulter to re-record one of his most famous songs in a project to promote integration.
The group, which includes 40 people who have fled the conflict and are now living in Ireland, has reworked 'Steal Away' which was written more than 40 years ago.
For those taking part, the project has been a bonding experience, and a chance to connect with others from their home country.
"It's been an amazing opportunity," says Lina Shvets, who arrived in Ireland 18 months ago and is now living in Swords in Co Dublin.
"What's going in (in Ukraine) is just horrible ... I'm trying to do my best to integrate."
Ms Shvets has family in Ukraine and they are never far from her thoughts.
"They're mostly safe, but it's still dangerous," she says.
For her the project has been a chance to integrate with others from the local community. The song too is a poignant one.
"I still hope everything will change... The song is about the future," she said.
'Steal Away' is a song telling of conflict in the homeland and of new beginnings. Mr Coulter said today, the words are as relevant as ever.
"I wrote it 40 years ago, about the Troubles in the North of Ireland. I was imagining a couple escaping the Troubles," he said.
"But when I looked at the lyrics and saw how relevant it was to these Ukrainians; 'Let's start anew, make a new beginning. We leave behind the city streets, the gloom and desolation.' I mean it has a real resonance for these people," he added.
Mr Coulter also said the partnership is profound.
"When they arrived at rehearsals, it was one of the most uplifting experiences I've ever had. Just to see the pure joy in their eyes of meeting Ukrainians, that joy of singing together and being in an environment which was positive.
"This was a bit of light into an otherwise pretty dark life. So, when I heard them first sing my words in Ukrainian, I really teared up ... it was just a wave or emotion."
The project was organised by local development companies and co-ordinated by the Irish Local Development Network across the country to promote integration.
