Fiona honoured for years of charity work
Fiona Corcoran has been awarded in recognition of her work with the Greater Chernobyl Cause, which has for more than two decades has strived to transform the lives of those impacted by nuclear radiation and war in former Soviet Union countries such as Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
Fiona was moved to create the charity following the devastating nuclear accident in Chernobyl in 1986, following many years involved with the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. She soon gave up her job to work full-time aiding the victims of the accident.
This focus on Chernobyl later widened to countries of the former Soviet Union, including Kazakhstan, where the Soviet Union had tested 500 nuclear weapons over a forty year period.
Fiona was on Monday named as October’s Cork Person of the Month. The Greater Chernobyl Cause and Fiona’s efforts have resulted in the building and refurbishment of orphanages and hospices, the donation of vital domestic appliances and medical equipment, and the provision of shelter for vulnerable street children and for some, even the possibility of adoption.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Fiona has been instrumental in coordinating humanitarian support for the war’s victims. Through the Greater Chernobyl Cause, she has been working to save lives and rebuild communities by delivering food, clothing and medicine, building shelter, providing medical and mental health assistance and ensuring that millions of displaced men, women and children can live in safety and dignity.
In February this year, she spent time travelling throughout Ukraine to tend to people impacted by the war, including injured Ukrainian soldiers at a military hospital as well as those at baby homes in the city’s capital, Kyiv. She also spent time at villages impacted by the war where many refugee families have escaped to.
Speaking as he awarded Fiona her Cork Person of the Month award, Manus O’Callaghan said: “Fiona has been a driving force in Irish efforts to help the most vulnerable in former Soviet Union countries for over two decades. Her commitment to this cause is commendable, particularly regarding victims of the ongoing war in Ukraine who have been deprived of peace, homes and security. In epitomising the Cork spirit of compassion and empathy, I am truly honoured to present her with this Cork Person of the Month award.”
Fiona’s name will now be added to the distinguished list of monthly winners and will go forward for consideration for the title of Cork Person of the Year at the annual Gala Awards Lunch in January 2026.
Ukraine trip in September
Fiona was in Ukraine on a humanitarian mission last month where she was one of the representatives from Ireland in the events for Ukraine's Independence Day and the National Prayer Breakfast.
The National Prayer Breakfast, organised under President Zelensky's auspices, convened international dignitaries, religious leaders, and civil society groups. Fiona participated with others in prayer and contemplation, emphasising the significance of spiritual fortitude and solidarity during periods of strife.
Fiona expressed her profound gratitude and pride in the opportunity to be present alongside the heroic President Zelensky and delegates.
Following the visit, she said she was gravely distressed by the catastrophe that occurred and recounted the drones, missiles, and shelling that persisted throughout the night. She mourns the 25 individuals killed, including three children, in the incident in Kyiv alone.
She heard accounts of shattered concrete, billowing flames, and tears amidst fractured walls. The stories of young people about to start their life journey. Sadly, the village of Ivanhiv was without a bomb shelter where she was staying. Ivahiv is located only 40 kilometres from Chernobyl, and her biggest fear was that it could have been struck.