Cork Today Through the Lens

15/06/2026

Удар по Киево-Печерской лавре: в Киеве загорелся Успенский собор

КИЕВ, 15 июня 2026 года — В ночь на 15 июня во время массированной атаки на Киев произошел пожар на территории Киево-Печерской лавры. По данным Киевской городской администрации, загорелась крыша Успенского собора — одного из главных храмов лаврского комплекса и важнейших памятников духовного и культурного наследия Украины.
По предварительной информации украинской стороны, удар пришелся по Стефановскому приделу Успенского собора. Генеральный директор Национального заповедника «Киево-Печерская лавра» Максим Остапенко сообщил, что в собор попал ударный беспилотник типа Shahed.

Жертв и пострадавших непосредственно в храме, по сообщениям заповедника, нет; сакральные предметы, включая иконы, антиминсы и богослужебные вещи, были эвакуированы. Пожар на крыше собора был ликвидирован утром.

При этом специалисты продолжают оценивать масштаб повреждений. По данным Reuters, крыша получила серьезные повреждения, однако основная конструкция здания и иконостас, по предварительной оценке, уцелели. Сохраняются опасения за состояние фресок, росписей и церковных ценностей, которые могли пострадать от огня, дыма и воды во время тушения.

Служба безопасности Украины заявила, что на месте удара обнаружены фрагменты корпуса и двигателя российского дрона-камикадзе «Герань-2», который, по данным следствия, поразил Стефановский придел Успенского собора. Российская сторона свою ответственность отвергает и утверждает, что повреждения могли быть вызваны ракетой украинской системы ПВО Patriot.

Киево-Печерская лавра входит в список Всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО и считается одним из главных символов христианской и культурной истории Киева. После атаки территория Лавры была временно закрыта для посетителей, а на месте продолжаются работы по ликвидации последствий и обследованию повреждённых объектов.

Фотографии от первоисточников.

Strike on Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra: Dormition Cathedral Catches Fire in Kyiv

KYIV, 15 June 2026 — During the night of 15 June, a fire broke out on the grounds of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra amid a large-scale attack on Kyiv. According to the Kyiv City Military Administration, the roof of the Dormition Cathedral caught fire. The cathedral is one of the main churches of the Lavra complex and one of Ukraine’s most important monuments of spiritual and cultural heritage.

According to preliminary information from the Ukrainian side, the strike hit the St Stephen’s side chapel of the Dormition Cathedral. Maksym Ostapenko, Director General of the National Preserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”, said that the cathedral was struck by a Shahed-type attack drone. According to the preserve, there were no deaths or injuries inside the church. Sacred items, including icons, antiminses and liturgical objects, were evacuated.

The fire on the cathedral roof was extinguished in the morning. Specialists are continuing to assess the scale of the damage. According to Reuters, the roof sustained serious damage, although the main structure of the building and the iconostasis are believed to have survived, based on preliminary assessments. Concerns remain over the condition of the frescoes, wall paintings and church valuables, which may have been affected by fire, smoke and water used during firefighting efforts.

The Security Service of Ukraine stated that fragments of the body and engine of a Russian Geran-2 kamikaze drone were found at the site of the strike. According to investigators, the drone hit the St Stephen’s side chapel of the Dormition Cathedral. The Russian side denies responsibility and claims that the damage may have been caused by a missile from a Ukrainian Patriot air defence system.
The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is regarded as one of the main symbols of Kyiv’s Christian and cultural history. Following the attack, the Lavra grounds were temporarily closed to visitors, while work continues to deal with the aftermath and inspect the damaged buildings.

Photographs from primary sources.

13/06/2026

Mahon Street Feast 2026 — 7 June 2026, Mahon, Cork, Ireland. Published in Print – 13 June 2026

I am pleased to share that a selection of my photographs from Mahon Community Centre Street Feast 2026 has been published in the 13 June 2026 edition of The Echo, Cork's local newspaper.

Organised by the Mahon Tidy Towns Mahon Community Centre Association, Mahon Street Feast is a vibrant community celebration that brings together residents, volunteers, local organisations, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds. The event highlights the strong spirit of community, inclusion, and cooperation that makes Mahon such a vibrant and welcoming part of Cork.

As a photojournalist, I am always grateful for the opportunity to document authentic moments, community life, and the people who help shape our city. It is particularly rewarding to see this work recognised through publication in print media.
My sincere thanks to the editorial team at The Echo for featuring my photographs.

Photos © Oren Gontmaher
Independent Photojournalist & Photographer
Cork, Ireland

12/06/2026

The Message.

09/06/2026

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09/06/2026

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09/06/2026

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08/06/2026

Special Olympics Munster Parade Celebrates Inclusion in Cork.
Cork City Council
CORK, Ireland — 6 June 2026 — Athletes, volunteers, families and supporters gathered in Cork city centre on Saturday for the Special Olympics Munster Parade, a celebration of inclusion, achievement and community spirit.

The parade began on Grand Parade and made its way through the city centre before concluding at Bishop Lucey Park. Participants from across the Munster region proudly represented their clubs and communities, carrying banners and team colours while receiving warm support from spectators along the route.
The event highlighted the important role of Special Olympics in providing sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities and promoting inclusion, confidence and personal achievement. Throughout the parade, athletes demonstrated determination, pride and teamwork, reflecting the values at the heart of the Special Olympics movement.

Families, volunteers and members of the public joined the celebrations, creating a welcoming atmosphere filled with music, applause and encouragement. The strong community support on display underscored the positive impact that Special Olympics continues to have across Ireland.

The parade concluded at Bishop Lucey Park, where participants and supporters gathered to continue the celebrations, bringing to a close a memorable day dedicated to sport, friendship and inclusion.

Photo & Report: Oren Gontmaher.
Photojournalist & Photographer | Cork, Ireland.

08/06/2026

Music, Food and Community Spirit at Mahon Street Feast in Cork City Council
MAHON, CORK, Ireland — 7 June 2026 — Residents, families and community organisations gathered in Mahon for the annual Mahon Street Feast, a vibrant community celebration that transformed the neighbourhood into a welcoming space filled with music, food, cultural activities and opportunities for people of all ages to come together.

One of the highlights of the day was the attendance of Lord Mayor of Cork Fergal Dennehy, who spent time meeting local residents, volunteers and representatives of community organisations participating in the event. Throughout the afternoon, he visited information stands, spoke with organisers and joined visitors in celebrating the strong community spirit that characterises the Mahon area.

A particularly active role in this year's event was played by members of the local Ukrainian community living in Mahon. Ukrainian participants helped create the multicultural atmosphere of the celebration by preparing and sharing traditional Ukrainian food, welcoming visitors and taking part in community activities throughout the day. Their involvement highlighted the positive contribution of the Ukrainian community to local life in Cork and reflected the strong connections that continue to develop between people from different cultural backgrounds.

The event brought together residents, volunteers and community groups from across the area, providing opportunities for neighbours to meet, share experiences and celebrate community spirit.
A particularly memorable moment came when the mayor stopped to listen to a group of young musicians performing traditional tunes. The children's performance drew the attention of many visitors and created a warm atmosphere that reflected the family-friendly nature of the event. Parents, grandparents and local residents gathered nearby to enjoy the music and support the young performers.

The festival showcased the diversity of the local community through a wide variety of activities and cultural displays. Community organisations including Mahon Tidy Towns and Mahon Community Centre Community Development Project engaged with visitors, highlighting local initiatives, volunteer projects and opportunities for residents to become involved in community life.
Food played a central role in the celebration, with participants sharing homemade dishes and refreshments representing different cultural traditions. Traditional Ukrainian food prepared by members of the local Ukrainian community attracted considerable interest from visitors and contributed to the multicultural atmosphere of the event. As part of the celebration, Ukrainian residents of Mahon welcomed the Lord Mayor, offered him traditional food and presented him with a gift of Ukrainian sweets featuring images of cities from across Ukraine, symbolising friendship, cultural heritage and community connection. Volunteers from Mahon Tidy Towns also welcomed the Lord Mayor and shared food and refreshments with him during the event. Throughout the day, Fergal Dennehy actively participated in the celebration, spending time with residents, community groups and volunteers. He joined in the dancing, played guitar, sang with participants and visited numerous activity areas and community stands.

Before concluding his visit, the Lord Mayor addressed those gathered, offering words of appreciation, encouragement and best wishes to organisers, volunteers and residents. His willingness to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds reflected the inclusive and friendly spirit that characterised the Mahon Street Feast celebration.
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed live music, games, family activities and informal gatherings that encouraged neighbours to meet, talk and spend time together. Volunteers and organisers worked to create an inclusive environment where people from different backgrounds could connect through shared experiences.
The Mahon Street Feast once again demonstrated the importance of community events in bringing people together, strengthening local connections and celebrating the cultural diversity that enriches life in Cork. Through music, food and community participation, the event provided a reminder of the value of neighbourhood engagement and the strong sense of belonging that continues to thrive in Mahon.



Photo and Report: Oren Gontmaher
Oren Gontmaher
Independent Photojournalist
Cork, Ireland

07/06/2026

Circus, Dance and Community Spirit at Marina Park

CORK, Ireland — On Saturday, 6 June 2026, Marina Park was filled with energy, creativity and a family-friendly atmosphere as local performers, community organisations and families gathered for a day of outdoor entertainment and cultural activities.

One of the highlights of the day was the participation of Circus Factory. The organisation’s performers and instructors presented circus arts demonstrations, interactive workshops and activities for children and visitors. Young participants had the opportunity to try circus skills and develop new talents.

Another memorable moment was a performance by the VOICES OF PEACE Intercultural Children and Young People Choir (Cork Academy of Music / Creative Ireland), supported by Cork Academy of Music and Creative Ireland and led by Svitlana Deikun, Artist Manager and Conductor. Through music, the choir brings together children and young people from different cultural backgrounds, promoting friendship, mutual understanding and community unity.

The programme also featured a performance by New Moon Dance. Young dancers showcased their talent before an enthusiastic audience of parents, friends and visitors. Families and supporters warmly encouraged the performers and shared in the joy of their achievements.

The event brought together families from across Cork and provided people of all ages with an opportunity to enjoy performances, creative activities and community engagement in one of the city’s most popular public spaces.

Photo and report by: Oren Gontmaher, Independent Photojournalist.

07/06/2026