A HUGE crowd gathered at Waterford Central Library to celebrate Polish Independence Day last Friday.
A fun filled night was had by all, as both Irish and Polish people enjoyed live music, traditional polish food and some wonderful art by local artists.
During the night many of the Polish families told how they came to set up home in Waterford and how they have adjusted to life so far away from home.
Kris Wisniewski came to Waterford with his wife and son three years ago, and now they have expanded their brood and have a daughter.
“We came here first for a honeymoon and we met a few friends and decided to come to Waterford for good.”
The family have settled well in Waterford and may stay here longer than they initially decided.
“From the first time we came here we were welcomed. It is very easy to make friends with Irish people. It is hard to find jobs, but it’s hard for everyone, both Polish and Irish. We are saying that we are staying for five years but we’re here three years now and we think we will stay longer. My son goes to school and he speaks and reads better in English than in Polish.”
Kris added that while some people have returned to Poland due to problems finding work, he said others have continued to come to Ireland.
“Many single men went home but many wives came over with children to join their husbands. So the numbers here are probably about the same.”
Kasha Adroyowa came to Waterford last year with her husband and they now have a two-month-old baby, Jeremy.
“We made the decision after my husband got a job here, he is the environmental manager in Waterford Carpets. It was a challenge for me especially, but it was a good opportunity. I have quite a few friends here so it’s nice. We are not thinking of going back to Poland, we are happy here. I started my own business here, a beauty salon on Colbeck Street. I’m very busy all of the time but it’s good.”
Young Polish mum Joanne has decided that Waterford is her home for the foreseeable future.
“I came four years ago to work. I wasn’t sure first if I wanted to live here permanently but now I think I do. I love it here. I love the attitude of the people, the lifestyle, everything. The people especially are so kind. I came with my friend, but she has gone home. I used to work but now I mind my baby, Jacob, who was born here. He is going to crèche and he has settled in well and loves playing with the children, and he speaks English.”
She said people have gone home because they miss it, rather than from the lack of work.
“Some people have gone home because they miss it, I don’t think it has anything to do with jobs. We go home a few times a year but I have my family here and friends.”
Michal Derlatka came to Ireland two years ago and works for AOL. He has one gripe, with Ireland’s unpredictable weather!
“I like it here, except for the weather, it’s terrible. In Poland it’s very hot in summer and very cold in winter, but here it’s a disaster. It’s my home now, my girlfriend is here with me. The people are very nice here, very friendly. It’s a nice place to live... except for the weather.”
Lukasz Michuleu came in search of a better life and found a love of Ireland’s famous beer.
“I came here for a job and a better life. I work in New Ross, it’s very nice. I like the Guinness beer, I love it. It’s a beautiful country. I have many friends, both Irish and Polish, for me it doesn’t matter.” This is the third year that the Central Library has celebrated Polish Independence Day with the Polish community, and the numbers attending have continued to rise each year.
Mayor John Halligan thanked the library for hosting the event, saying, “Cen-tral Library has fostered close links with the Polish Community and has been delighted to host art exhibitions, concerts of Polish music and poetry, events for children, as well as this, the annual Independence Day celebrations - which will remain an important date in the library cal -endar for years to come.”
Witold Izycki, historian and headmaster of the Polish School in Waterford, which 400 children attend every Saturday, Fr. Emil Adler, the Polish priest in Waterford, Jane Cantwell, City Librarian and Kris Wisniewski of Waterpol also spoke at the event, before folk band Tekla Klebetnica, a group of young professional musicians from Ustron, in Southern Poland, entertained the assembled crowd with their traditional Polish folk music from the mountains.
