Railway solidarity knows no borders. This was proven once again by Barry Kenny, Head of Corporate Communications at Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail). He not only organized a fundraiser that helped close a critical need for the "Iron Family" Foundation but also personally visited Ukraine to volunteer.

Shared Meanings and First Connections

Barry has worked for the railway for 31 years. As he points out, there is a symbolic link even in our companies' names: the Irish name Iarnród Éireann literally translates to "Iron Road of Ireland," which resonates strongly with our own "Ukrzaliznytsia."

Barry recalls that he first discovered Ukraine in 2019 when he visited Kyiv. He loved the city for its history and atmosphere. However, Ukraine became truly close to his heart after February 2022.

"When the full-scale invasion happened, it felt like a friend was being attacked, so I wanted to help if I could," Barry says.

Support from Irish Rail

Barry mentions that Irish Rail did not stand aside. The company established a donation link for passengers to add to their bookings to help Ukrainians seeking refuge in Ireland. Furthermore, to show support, they lit up a major station and a bridge in Ukrainian colors.

Personal Contribution: Volunteering in Lviv 

However, Barry decided to take personal action as well. He shares that in the summer of 2022, he went to Moldova to volunteer at a refugee support center. Later, he made three visits to Lviv (in 2023 and 2025), where he worked at the "Lviv Volunteer Kitchen." Working alongside Ukrainians and international volunteers, he helped prepare meal packs for frontline defenders.

The Book That Helped Close a Fundraiser

The idea for the financial donation came through art. Barry explains that he purchased a photo book by Dutch photojournalist Jelle Krings, documenting the role of the Ukrainian railway during the war. He kept one copy and used the second as a prize for a raffle among his colleagues in Ireland.

The initiative was a success on the iDonate platform. Colleagues from Irish Rail actively supported the cause, raising €1,260 (approx. 64,000 UAH).

These funds became the decisive contribution that allowed us to fully close the collection for a railway family whose home was destroyed by a hostile strike that also tragically took the mother's life.

Thank You! The "Iron Family" team sincerely thanks Barry Kenny and all employees of Iarnród Éireann. Your support proves that railway workers around the world are one big family, ready to stand shoulder to shoulder in the most difficult times.