Fantastic Flavours Media Mentions 2019

Nov181007
Fantastic Flavours
Ice Cream Parlour
,
“Master Artisan
in the Irish Ice
Cream Market”
Recognised in LUXLife
Magazine’s 2019 Awards
Boasting
‘More than 42
Flavours’ on
the menu,
A Master Artisan
Revitalising the Irish
Ice Cream Market
Fantastic Flavours is an ice cream
parlour with a difference. Founded by
husband and wife team Miceál O’Hurley
and Oksana Shadrina, Fantastic
Flavours is a delightful mid-century
style American Ice Cream Parlour in the
centre of Youghal, Ireland.
Guests have plenty
of flavours to choose
from, including Banana
Rama, Malteser Pleaser,
Delicious Wonkalicious,
Lemon Flufferella,
and, more recently, the
bombastically coloured
SuperGirl. Each has
been carefully crafted to
cater to gourmets and
connoisseurs alike.
Get in Touch, Email us:
fantasticflavours@gmail.com
Company: Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour | Website: fantasticflavours.ie
8 Corporate Vision / 2018 Franchise Awards

S E L E C T E D M E D I A M E N T I O N S
A N D I N F O R M A T I O N

FANTASTIC FLAVOURS ICE CREAM PARLOUR
Youghal, Co. Cork in the Republic of Ireland
BEST ARTISAN ICE CREAM - IRELAND
To All whom these presents shall come, be it
known the distinguished Judging Panel of the
LUX Magazine 3 rd Annual Restaurant and Bar Awards have
proclaimed Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour
of Youghal, in the County of Cork, in the Republic of Ireland,
Winner of the 2019 LUX Magazine 3 rd Annual
Bar and Restaurant Awards in the category of
. ‘Best Artisan Ice Cream – Ireland’

OKSANASHADRINA
_____________
FantasticFlavoursIceCream Parlour
Youghal,Co.Cork

F E A T U R E
Ireland’s Hottest Scoops –
15 of Ireland’s Best Ice Cream Parlours
2 June 2017
In 2015 The New York Times ran a story titled ‘In Ireland, Milk Chocolate Reigns’ And
while as the title suggests there was a focus on our home grown chocolatiers, praise was
equally lauded upon the source of our decadent dairy: the 1.1 million grass-fed cows in
Ireland.
Though perhaps it’s time the American periodical paid another visit, because the Irish
are putting this “milk that’s more cream-colored than white and tastes especially rich
and luscious” to other great confectionery causes too; namely ice cream.
Whether or not the yanks return the country’s best ice cream producers deserve
recognition, so we’ve churned up 15 of Ireland’s best ice cream parlours that in sunshine,
hail and almost definitely rain, serve unforgettable scoops, sorbets, and soft serve.
Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour – Youghal, Co. Cork
Another Cork contender, Fantastic Falvours in Youghal is as consistent on ‘best of’ lists
as it is with churning out creative flavours of ice cream. Owner Miceál O’Hurley has long
counted ice cream making as a hobby, and since 2013 he has been sharing his creamy
creations with the public. Since then he has tested out over 42 flavours, including
seasonal specials like spiced harvest pumpkin and often comically titled treats such as
Delicious Donald Trumpalicious Toasted Marshmallow Ice Cream. Not happy with just
selling his own, Miceál also teaches ice cream making every Sunday.
Signature Scoop: Miceál has been perfecting the recipe for his Captain Morgan’s Rum &
Raisin flavour since 1983, and is always sure to add a generous portion of rum soaked
raisins.
F E A T U R E B Y E R I C A B R A C K E N

March2018

Jerica Glasper, Contributor
11/08/2017 09:40 pm ET
Woman Entrepreneur Oksana Shadrina Recognized With
Congressional Proclamation For Charitable, Humanitarian and
Business Leadership
We sit down and interview Oksana’s husband Miceal who shares about her recent Congressional Proclamation Award as
well as other factors that greatly contribute to the couple’s continued success as business owners.
Oksana is the Co-Founder of Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour, along with her husband Miceal.
The power couple and partners just welcomed their new baby girl, were shortlisted for “Dessert
Outlet of the Year” - Food Awards Ireland 2017, and also make time for charitable giving,
humanitarian work, and being involved in many activities within their community.
Here’s the interview:
Q: What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business’ success?
My wife, Oksana – who is also my business partner. She has great judgment and is practical where I am imaginative. A good
business partner you can trust, who brings critical skills to the table, is
essential. I have that in Oksana and I hope she has that in me.
Q: Who is your hero and why?
John Glenn. Born into ordinary surroundings, he proved that
extraordinary is within anyone’s reach. I knew John Glenn when I was a
staffer in the United States Congress. He was decent, kind, intelligent,
gentle, personable and dedicated.
John Glenn set a moral tone for goodness and standard for excellence
in both politics and his personal life that is absent from public life today.
He did extraordinary things in the service of his country and humanity
and remained humble and accessible all the while. What more could
one say?
Q: What do you do to recharge when you are feeling drained?
I spend time with my family. Oksana and I have just had a new baby,
Bláithnaid (little flower), and I find she re-charges me nicely (even if I’m
physically exhausted at the end of the day). At this point in life, nothing
is more important.
Q: If you had to pick a charity to give to, who would it be and why?
Oksana and I give to many charities – and she was recently recognized
with a Congressional Proclamation for her charitable, humanitarian and
business leadership. We give to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW),
because we value the contribution and sacrifices of those who served,
even if we disagreed with the wars. We were selected as Tourism
Ambassadors to help launch the first Transatlantic Flights between Cork
Airport and the USA, which we are thrilled to be apart of.
Living in a seaside community, we give to the work of the local Lifeboat
chapter, because of their selfless and often dangerous rescue work.
Otherwise, we give to a mix of youth sport, culture and arts programs to
help ensure every child has an opportunity to engage in the community
with an activity rather be isolated with only a smart phone.
Q: What is the one mantra that you live your life by?
Carpe Diem. Like sport – the only thing that truly matters is the game you are playing at the moment. Yesterday’s accolades only
take you so far. We must deliver excellence daily and consistently.
Q: What is your business all about?
Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour is about matching the excellence of our ice cream, desserts, coffees, teas and foods with
superior service to ensure our customers have memorable experiences they want to repeat. At its core – its about people – our
employees and customers.
Q: How can you be reached if someone is interested in learning more about your ice cream parlor?
You can always walk into Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour in Youghal, Co. Cork, Ireland. Otherwise, we are accessible on
Facebook, Twitter and on the web at www.fantasticflavours.ie.
(continued)

(continued, ‘Woman Entrepreneur Oksana Shadrina Recognized’, from previous page)
From 30-Year Hobby To Finalist in Ireland’s “2017 Dessert Outlet
of The Year”, Hear Miceal’s Empowering Business Story and
Success Principles
Q: Tell me a little bit about your background and how you ended up choosing artisan ice cream making.
In my youth I was an Airborne Ranger. Afterwards, I served as Counsel in the United States Congress. My wife, Oksana Shadrina,
was a senior HR Manager and Trainer with Vodafone Ukraine before Russia invaded a few years ago and wreaked havoc on the
country and its people. Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour grew out of my hobby making ice cream and Oksana’s background in
human relations and customer service. We put our corporate and professional background to work making what we enjoy doing a
success.
Q: What made you take the leap into entrepreneurship?
I left the States in 2008 and moved to Ireland. With the collapse of Wall Street,
pension funds and the Irish economy in austerity mode – approaching 50 years of
age – I needed to be creative to survive. Turning my 30-year hobby into a business
was not only a necessity – but a logical step.
Q: What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how
did you overcome them?
We started Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour with only 500 Euros. I bought a
second-hand ice cream freezer and cash register, a few days supplies and opened
our doors. With the banking collapse in Europe, financing wasn’t available. We had
to watch every penny and re-invest it daily to buy inventory. We decorated the ice
cream parlour item-by-item, progressively. Hanging my old baseball glove and
lacrosse stick, an Irish hurley stick and local historic posters donated by the local printer got us going. It costs far more to do
business this way – financially and in terms of image – but there were no options.
Q: How do you personally define success? What does it mean to you?
Since we opened in 2013, we have named ‘One of Ireland’s Best Ice Cream Parlours’ by the Irish Independent, Taste Magazine,
The Irish Sun, Get Out/Find Out and other food critics. We were just shortlisted for ‘Dessert Outlet of the Year’ for the Food Awards
Ireland – 2017.
These are great accomplishments for a new business and we are justly proud of them. However, they mean nothing if tomorrow we
open the doors and rest on our laurels. Success is measured on consistency-over-time. Delivering a superior ice cream, food and
drinks with great service is what defined success means to us.
Q: How do you differentiate yourself from others in the ice cream industry?
We make more than 42 flavours of ice cream, by hand, on-site, fresh daily. We use local producers so we can even trace our milk
to its source. We buy from local shops and providers – even when wholesalers can give us a marginally better price – because
keeping our community strong is not only a good ethic – its critical to our success. We focus on customer service and engage with
our customers. Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour isn’t just a café – its an
experience to remember. We create memories that hopefully children will
recall with their children who will then visit us for years to come.
Q: What would you say to someone who came to you for advice about
taking the ‘leap of faith’ into entrepreneurship?
Be prepared to embrace the oft-told mantras, “Edison tried unsuccessfully
with the lightbulb 1,000 times – but 1,001 was magic!”. Entrepreneurship is
about matching excellence, delivery and perseverance. A little humility is
always helpful – no matter how many times a food critics writes that my ice
cream is “one of the best in Ireland’ – at closing time – I still have to mop the
floor, wash the dishes and clean the toilets.
Q: We are entering an era where everyone is interested in multiple
income streams. How does one decide on a business
to pursue?
Find a match between doing something viable that you love and something you are good at doing. One without the other only
serves to undermine your chances for success.
Thanks you so much for sharing your entrepreneurial story with our readers. If I’m ever in Ireland I’ll be sure to stop by
your yummy ice cream parlor. Learn more about Fantastic Flavours Icecream Parlour by visiting their website at
www.fantasticflavours.ie
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/5a03a370e4b0c7511e1b39c3

For Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour’s
Oksana Shadrina and Miceál O’Hurley –
‘Success is as much about perseverance as
perfection, and origination far more than imitation’
Oksana Shadrina and Miceál
O’Hurley founded Fantastic
Flavours Ice Cream Parlour
during the economic downturn
after the Celtic Tiger and built
their brand and reputation, and
nurtured their award-winning
success, one day at a time.
Tell us about founding Fantastic
Flavours Ice Cream Parlour?
Miceál: In the aftermath of the Celtic
Tiger many people lost everything,
including me. Recognising a gap in
the market for high-quality,
handmade, artisan ice-cream served
in an authentic ice-cream parlour, we
decided to turn my hobby of more
than 30 years into a business. Voila,
Fantastic Flavours was born.
Oksana: Actually, it wasn’t as easy as
‘voila’. Banks weren’t lending. To
start a business from scratch we had
to navigate significant regulatory
issues, access specialised equipment
in a market where it was not
available, learn about importing
machinery, dealing with supply
chains, securing intellectual property
rights to our logos and brand, and
comply with intricate human resource
laws, tax schemes, as well as dealing
with State bodies who don’t always
understand small businesses.
Miceál: She’s right. I married her
because she is much smarter than
me. There are significant challenges
in starting a business even before the
doors are opened and the daily risk
and reward cycle begins. We started
with just €500,
which we used
to buy a
second-hand
freezer and
enough
supplies for one
day and then
we reinvested
every
day. Without
support from
the banking
sector, there
was no choice.
We persisted and thank God, we
have been met with success. In only
our second year we were finalists in
the Irish Times/Irish Restaurant
Awards Best Artisan Food Producers.
After that we went on to win the Food
Awards Ireland 2017 Dessert Outlet
of the Year, as well as being
nominated in The Cork Business
Awards for Best in Customer Service,
all along with numerous great reviews
from food critics in all the major
publications.
Did you have backgrounds in retail
food operations?
Oksana: I was a Trainer and Human
Resources Specialist with Vodafone
Ukraine. Miceál’s background was in
politics and the non-profit sector. We
both had significant experience in
customer service and training.
Building on Miceál’s long-time hobby
of making ice-cream, it made sense to
create a business around something
in which we had both significant
experience and where there was a
void in the market.
To what do you attribute your
success?
Miceál: It all starts with the 30 plus
years of developing my homemade,
artisanal ice-cream recipes and using
top-quality ingredients to produce our
More Than 42 Flavours of Fantastic
Flavours Ice Cream. Matching that
with consistently great service and a
fresh dining experience is essential.
Engaging our customers with our
unique table-top board games,
allowing them to help make ice-cream
during our Artisan Ice Cream
Apprentice Classes and our
reputation for friendliness all stands
us apart from any experience most of
our customers have had. Great food,
good service and an enjoyable outing
are great elements for success in the
food industry.
Oksana: I would also add that
surrounding yourself with great
people is incredibly important. I’m
lucky in that I have that with my
husband, Miceál and I’d like to think
he has that in me. We are also very
careful about who we hire to ensure
that they embrace our training
programme. We want to ensure our
customers get the consistent service

and enjoyable experience we have
worked so hard to deliver since our
founding.
What else do you do beside the
More Than 42 Flavours of
handmade, artisan ice cream?
Oksana: We aren’t a
one-trick-pony. We are
just as careful about all
of our menu items as we
are our handmade,
artisan ice-cream. Our
New York baked
cheesecakes and other
desserts are very
popular. We also serve a
variety of sandwiches,
pizza, crepes and other
foods and drinks. Our
specialty coffees are
also very popular.
You’ve gained a
reputation as a small business with
the corporate ethics of a big
business. Can you tell us more
about that?
Miceál: When you have more than
5,000 people who follow you on social
media, you can use it for more than
just selling ice-cream. Oksana and I
share a strong social justice ethic and
have, from time to time, used
Fantastic Flavours to champion good
causes. We campaigned for the
release of Oleg Sentsov, who was
illegally imprisoned by Russia after
their 2014 invasion of Ukraine and
whom the EU just gave its highest
humanitarian prize – the Sakharov
Award.
We support local clubs and charities,
especially the Youghal Lifeboats
(RNLI), who do heroic work saving
lives at sea. Last year we began
championing an eco-friendly
restaurant policy of reduce, recycle
and reuse, which includes
compostable coffee cups, recyclable
goods and working towards the
reduction of single-use plastics in our
industry. We feel a responsibility to
hand our children and their children a
better world than the one we
inherited.
My good wife, Oksana, received a
Proclamation from the United States
Congress citing her humanitarian,
charitable and volunteer works and
she was nominated as One of
Ireland’s 100 Most Inspiring Women.
Oksana: We are very proud of our
business. We work very hard. We may
never be as rich as Bill and Melinda
Gates, but that doesn’t mean we can’t
make some difference in the world
every single day. Its part of who we
are and our customers appreciate that
we give back to the community.
What role has social media and
communications played in
developing your business?
Oksana: Miceál realised early-on that
social media could be a powerful tool
in building our business. He put to
work the skills and knowledge he
gained in political campaigns and
helped build our brand in an
attractive, real-time and cost-effective
way.
Miceál: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
and other tools have allowed us to
reach our local and potential
audiences effectively. Because of the
contrary nature of social media, there
is a real need to navigate its use
judiciously and effectively. Working
with the media is an art as much as a
skill. We have also partnered with
great people and the reviews from
food critics, feature stories, radio inter
views and television appearances
have been great for business. Getting
to tell our story on People &
Perspectives on ABC television in the
United States and seeing it and other
programmes live online afterwards
has driven business and
helped our customers feel they
know us.
Oksana: People like to do
business with people they
know, so with a business
situated in a tourist destination,
it has helped people feel like
they are friends even before
they walk through our doors.
That dynamic also encourages
us to get to know them, which
has brought us friends from
around the globe and that too
helps build our social media
presence.
What is next for Fantastic
Flavours Ice Cream Parlour?
Miceál: We were approached by a
company interested in buying our
brand, recipes and identity in an
attempt to mimic the drinks industry
practice of large corporations
masquerading as artisan producers.
Oksana and I thought if we were that
attractive, we ought to consider
growing our business ourselves. We
are currently working with franchise
consultants to take our business into
markets from North America to
Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
We have great ice-cream, incredible
training and standards and a concept
that works the world over. We are
excited and so are the people with
whom we are speaking.
Oksana: While we are looking at
franchising, we will continue to
commit ourselves to serving the best
handmade, artisan ice-cream and
delivering it with the great customer
service upon which we have built our
business. That, and ensuring we make
time for our 20-month-old baby,
Bláithnaid, and another new baby we
are expecting in January.▪

Oksana Shadrina,
the Wonder Woman
you need to know
You may not know the name Oksana Shadrina yet but hers is one that
should be on your radar, not just for her business acumen but for her
volunteer work, her creativity and her ability to balance her
achievements so well with her growing family.
O
riginally from Ukraine, Oksana achieved academic success at Taras
Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, the leading contemporary
academic hub of Ukraine with a distinct research profile. Following
her graduation, she became a corporate recruiter and business
trainer, shortly reaching the top of her field as a Human Resources Manager
and Trainer for Vodafone.
“The Russian Invasion of my homeland made life difficult for everyone in
Ukraine. I left Vodafone and Ukraine and started to work in our family
business here in Ireland.” Oksana and her husband, Miceál O’Hurley, built and
developed their business, Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour, and a fantastic
business enterprise it is! Multiple food critics, newspapers and magazines
named their business venture one of Ireland’s best ice-cream parlours and even
One of Ireland’s Four Great Ice Cream Parlours. The duo and their business
have previously won Food Awards Ireland 2017 and were just named a finalist
in Irish Cafe Awards!
Just last year, Oksana and Fantastic Flavours Ice Cream Parlour, of which she
is the co-owner and proprietor, were selected to represent both Ireland and the
US at the launch of the Inaugural Transatlantic Flight between Cork Airport
and the US. This made Oksana and her business Tourism Ambassadors and so
it is no surprise that she has since gained an Executive Producer credit on an
ABC Television Network show. “I have just finished some fun and creative
work, developing and serving as Executive Producer for a television series,
People & Perspectives, which will premier shortly on the ABC Television
Network in the USA. It’s a human
Inspiring Magazine — Summer 2018
interest show to help promote Ireland
by letting its people tell their personal
and business stories.”
With an ever-expanding award
display and trophy case – including
US Congressional Recognition –
Oksana has established herself as a
s k i l l e d b u s i n e s s w o m a n a n d
restaurateur, having brought much of
her skills gained and exercised at
Vodafone with her. “I worked for
many years in customer service – first
in – front line and then as a business
trainer and HR manager. Seeing
service from different angles helps me
stay customer-focused. “In 2015, the
call centre where I was a Trainer and
HR manager received the Best in
Service Award – first in Europe and
then in the world! “The same
corporate skills I learned in a Fortune
500 company I brought Fantastic
Flavours. My husband is my business
partner and we divide our
responsibilities. I lead customer
service, helping us create the best
customer experience, every minute,
with every customer. Leadership also
means paying attention even to
smallest details and that is part of our
core ethic.”
(continued)

Aside from running a successful business, Oksana makes time to
provide training for Ukrainians and Russian-Ukrainians that were
forced to flee due to violence and combat. She makes it her mission to
assist in their transition and resettlement here in Ireland, knowing how
difficult it can be to be forced from your home.
“Ireland and Ukraine have many similarities. We lost millions through
starvation in Holodomor and the Irish in An Gorta Mór and it shaped our
national psyches. We are both agricultural economies and emerging
into the high tech sector.
“Faith is important to both of our people and we both value family.
And, having struggled under hundreds of years of occupation, we both
love freedom. So, it was easier to adjust than imagined, largely because
of the constant support of my husband. “Having gained our
independence, which Russia recognised, only to have them invade and
occupy part of my country, is heart breaking. Until they leave, we must
endure. I was both honoured and proud to help to make resettlement
for some refugees and displaced persons a little bit easier.
“My corporate background, skills and being fluent in both Ukrainian
and Russian helped me relate to them, build trust and assist with their
readjustment. “Trainings helped them to be more competitive in job
searches. Some participants opened their own businesses and started
life anew, which was a source of great pride!”
Far from exhausting me, it gives
me a lot of inspiration and energy.
“With a new baby coming, we will
see if there is any balance after the
new addition!” And what’s next
for this charitable activist,
businesswoman, wife and mother?
Right now, she and Miceál are
working on expanding Fantastic
Flavours Ice Cream Parlour by
franchising it. “I’m also donating
and working with a humanitarian
charity in Ukraine to help civilians
and soldiers wounded in combat
to get critical medical care. We
even contacted Brian Wilson of the
Beach Boys, who invited us
backstage when he played in
Dublin in August!” Brian
autographed a number of
surfboards to then be auctioned
off in aid of Youghal Lifeboats.
“Continuing to be creative in
supporting Youghal, building our
business, keeping up my
volunteer work and growing our
family may prove as much
perspiration as inspiration!”
We’re sure Oksana has many
ventures and achievements ahead
of her yet. Watch this space!
Oksana met Miceál, her now husband, in Kyiv. They began dating, with
Oksana visiting Ireland and falling in love with it as much as she had
with Miceál. “We married in Waterford and made our life and business
in Youghal, which we love!” She and Miceál are now the devoted
parents to Bláithnaid Saoirse O’Hurley-Pitts.
In her spare time, Oksana is a sponsor of several youth sport teams and
is a charitable donor to several organisations, including the Red Cross,
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Ukrainian American Veterans, Catholic
charities, and more. But how does this Wonder Woman do it all? “I love
my family and our business. I lead our charitable and volunteer works,
which is important to us both. We volunteered at a soup kitchen on
Christmas day. We donated a complete kit-out for a RNLI volunteer on
Youghal Lifeboat. We support local arts, charities, clubs and athletics.
Oksana is a nominee in the Inspiring
Women ‘One of Ireland’s 100 Most
Inspiring Women in Business’—2019
Awards
Inspiring Magazine — Summer 2018

Foodie Friday
Let’s make Fantastic Flavours’ Authentic New York Cheesecake
There’s nothing we love
more than indulging in a delectable
dessert when it’s cold and crisp outside.
Oksana and Miceál of Fantastic Flavours
Ice Cream Parlour have an incredibly
tasty and simple recipe below that will do
just the trick!
Ingredients
Beat cream
cheese and
sugar with
mixer, until
smooth.
Add milk and eggs. Mix with a
spoon.
hours in the oven. Still don’t open
oven!
Base:
18 digestive biscuits
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp sugar
Filling:
32 oz cream cheese
1 and a 1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup milk
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 vanilla pod
1/4 cup cream flour
Method
Preheat oven to 170 degrees and
grease a pan.
Place a shallow pie-pan with water
on the bottom of the oven.
Make base with biscuits, sugar
and butter.
In a separate bowl, whisk sour
cream with vanilla.
Add flour into filling.
Chill cheesecake in a fridge overnight.
Add sour cream mixture. Mix with
a spoon. Pour over the base in a
pan.
Place in oven.
Bake for one hour. Don’t open the
oven! Turn-off oven and leave
cheesecake for three to four
Top cheesecake with you favourite
fruit reduction and chill for additional
two to three hours. Plate
the cheesecake and serve!
_____________
Recipe by Oksana Shadrina and Miceál
O’Hurley, proprietors of the Food
Awards Ireland 2017 Dessert Outlet of
the Year.

Bia Sásta with Elke
Thursday, 9 April 2015
The Best Banana Ice Cream I Have Ever Tasted
The weather was so awesome over the
Easter weekend that I made a trip to Youghal.
It has been two years that I have been in
Youghal and I thought a walk down the beach
would be simply the right thing to do on such
a beautiful day.
And what would be a sunny warm day
without ice cream? Youghal is extremely lucky
to have an artisan ice-cream maker in their
midst and I spent a few hours in Fantastic
Flavours to simply watch the world go buy
and enjoy some great ice-cream while doing
so.
Using only fresh
ingredients were
possible, he is
offering 40 different
flavours with 10 on
rotation each day. I
had the best
banana ice-cream I
have ever tasted.
Rich, creamy and
not too hard, it was
a pleasure to eat.
There was a steady
stream of locals and
tourists alike and
Miceál had a great
way of making
everyone feel welcome.
I learned a lot about the history of Youghal
while chatting to some locals and met Eddie,
who is broadcaster at Youghal Community
Radio. So, all in all, a great way of spending a
sunny Easter Bank Holiday.
While sitting there enjoying my wonderful
ice-cream, scooped in a proper waffle cone,
someone came in to order a whipped icecream
– the famous (or infamous) 99. Miceál
pointed them nicely in the right direction and
for a change, I had a bit of trivia to share. Did
you know that whipped ice-cream (and most
of the ice-cream we buy in supermarkets)
doesn't contain milk, or cream, but palm oil or
vegetable fat?
The reason it is so nice and fluffy is that air is
circulated through it. Margaret Thatcher
(yeap, that one) was a member of the team in
her early days as a chemist who came up with
the idea. Back in the days, it might have been
a good idea as food were rationed but in
today's markets, producers simply want to
produce cheap stuff to make a fortune.
We in Ireland have such great milk and we
buy more of
the whipped
stuff than
proper icecream.
When
you open my
freezer, you
will see a
round object
in one of the
drawers – it's
part of a
domestic icecream
machine. I
have to admit,
it doesn't
happen very often that I make my own icecream
but when I do, the flavours and texture
is fantastic – not as fantastic as the ice-cream
I tasted last Monday at Fantastic Flavours
though.
Next time you want to buy some ice-cream,
make sure to read the label and if the first
ingredient doesn't say milk or cream, it ain't
real ice-cream. Let's hope that some of our
wonderful dairy farmers will go into ice-cream
making now that the milk quota is gone. And
here is to an amazing summer with lots of icecream
ahead. •

Brexit, Ireland and the Ukrainian Factor
by Oksana Shadrina-O’Hurley & Miceál O’Hurley Pitts
So Near and Yet so Far
Located at different ends of Europe, Ireland and Ukraine have a lot more in common than the distance suggests. Not only are there
historical, cultural and religious similarities that bridge the geographical divide, but also shared challenges and opportunities offered
by Brexit, the commitment of both countries to cooperation within the EU context, and burgeoning bilateral relations. The 2018
announcement by Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney the Ireland is committed to open an embassy in Kyiv in would
appear to affirm this. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin’s official visit to Ireland in June 2018, the first in over a
decade by a Ukrainian Foreign Minister, makes clear the two countries see significant promise in closer ties. With Brexit’s
promise of chaos, and the EU’s economic sanctions against Russia for their illegal annexation of Crimea, effectively closing the
Russian market to Ireland, Minister Coveney’s vision and leadership in creating more robust diplomatic ties between the two
nations, and others, may prove one of Ireland’s best economic policies in decades. Indeed, the Ukrainian factor may be potentially
more significant for Ireland than generally previously recognised.
Historical Ties and Parallels
Recent archeological discoveries and DNA testing have confirmed that
Ireland’s earliest inhabitants originated from the area north of the Black Sea,
present day Ukraine. In the seventeenth century both lands came under the
rule of neighbours who sought to impose their political and cultural
domination over them. Revolts, struggles for home rule, and reliance on
cultural resistance, local traditions and religion to defend national identity
were central characteristic for both peoples. Indeed, in the first part of the
twentieth century, Ukrainians of the Greek Catholic faith living under
Austrian and Polish rule in western Ukraine were often referred to as the
‘Irish of the East’. The others, the majority who remain Orthodox Christians
had to endure even harsher domination by first Tsarist and then Soviet
Russia.
Ireland and Ukraine both suffered from imperial cultural deprivation and
exploitation. Ukrainian writers such as Nikolai Gogol (Mykola Hohol) wrote in
Russian and were appropriated by Russia, while the great Irish literary
Klimkin & Coveney
figures, Yeats, Joyce, Wilde, Shaw, and Becket ‘enriched’ English literature.
The tenacity and resourcefulness of the Irish inspired many Ukrainian cultural and political figures. Not surprisingly, Ireland’s 1916
Proclamation of Independence, was one of the first political documents translated into the Ukrainian language. During the First
Word War and its aftermath both countries attempted to establish independent states. Ireland succeeded but Ukraine suffered a
further 70 years to catch up and begin rejoining the European family of nations as the latest ‘terrible beauty’.
The cost of the struggle against imperial domination and colonisation was enormous. Both countries experienced horrendous
‘famines’, the Irish – the An Gorta Mor in the middle of the 19th century, and the Ukrainians the Holodomor of 1932-33 which
killed millions. Both also witnessed a massive hemorrhaging of population, in the case of the Ukrainians not only westward, but also
eastward to Siberia and the Russian Far East. For the Irish fortunate to avoid transportation to Australia, the United States and
Canada were destinations of choice. Today Ireland has a huge diaspora, but Ukraine also has a sizeable one, particularly in North
and South America and Russia, and more recently in several EU countries, including an estimated 5,000 in
Ireland. Notwithstanding the relatively small Ukrainian community in Ireland, its people have established themselves as
entrepreneurs as well as executives in some of Ireland’s largest companies and their cultural engagement in Ireland through
performance groups such as the Ukrainian Emeralds. The mettle of the Ukrainian Chargé d’affaires in Dublin, Olena Shaloput,
demonstrates in navigating the ever-changing political and economic climate in the face of Brexit and the Russian annexation of
parts of Eastern Ukraine, has helped cement closer bonds between Ireland and Ukraine.
The EU as a magnet, agent of transformation, and platform
The EU has played a colossal role in the recent history of both Ireland and Ukraine. Ireland’s decision in 1973 to join the European
Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 had a rapid and profound impact on the country’s development. It went some way in freeing it
from its over-dependence on the UK market, secured huge investments to boost and diversify its weak economy, create jobs and
create new infrastructure. The EU helped act as a catalyst with other partners to bring peace and political agreement in Northern
Ireland through support and investment in cross-border programmes, and in so doing bolstered Ireland’s political and cultural
identity as a European nation.
Ukraine had been artificially cut off from the rest of Europe by Soviet communist rule. Since President Vladimir Putin came to
power, it has had to confront a residual Russian imperial mindset blocking its western orientation through political, cultural,
economic and, more recently, military leverage. Ukraine has looked to the EU as not only a friend, supporter, and donor, but
more importantly, as the embodiment of democratic European values and solidarity, and its natural home. During the last
15 years Ukrainians massively came out in support of European self-identification during the Orange Revolution in 2004-
2005 and again during the EuroMaidan and Revolution of Dignity of 2013-2014. Russia’s response has been to seize Crimea
from Ukraine and wage war in the east of Ukraine through forces masquerading as local separatists. Ukraine is the only country
Europe which has already sacrificed over 10,000 soldiers and civilians, and is hosting over 1.5 million internally displaced, in the
name of European values and is still losing soldiers and civilians every week because of its European choice.
Learning from Ireland’s Experience

Klimkin, Oksana and other Ukrainians in Dublin
Joining the EU, as Ireland knows only too well, is not only about
reaping benefits, in other words complying with common
democratic standards and rules. Ukraine, which finally concluded
an Associate Partnership Agreement with the EU in 2017, is also
learning that access to the EU market and visa-free travel to it is
contingent on democratic transformation, ensuring the rule of law,
fair play and equality, and recognizing not only the EU’s values
but also regulatory influence. Ukraine is making progress in this
direction, though not without delays and zig-zags. Combatting
endemic corruption and the excessive control wielded by
oligarchic structures remains a huge challenge, especially now as
new presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for 2019
approach. But then Ireland was also reminded by a Council of
Europe anti-corruption body last year, how difficult this challenge
is and how much time it realistically requires. 45 years after
Ireland joined the EEC, Ireland was found to be “globally
unsatisfactory”, particularly in the areas of judicial appointments
and independence. Here is where Ireland could share its lessons
learned and best practices with Ukraine.
Brexit, Ireland, the UK and Ukraine
Brexit, which was unexpected, has introduced new challenges for all concerned, both on the macro level concerning the terms of
the UK’s extrication from the EU, and the micro, for instance, the implications for Ireland’s bilateral relations with the UK, and for the
border with Northern Ireland. But Ukraine has also figured in the discussions about the consequences of the Brexit and how they
could be addressed. In fact, the British government seems to see a Ukraine-style association agreement as a possible model for its
future relationship with the EU, combining both ‘sovereignty’ and close economic ties.
On the surface, such a model would appear to allow the UK to circumvent unwanted obligations, whilst preserving some of the
economic benefits of membership. In reality, however, Ukraine’s association agreement incorporates a “Deep and Comprehensive
Trade Agreement” (DCFTA) which according to the European Commission involves an ‘unprecedented level of integration’. In
exchange for deep and comprehensive market access and customs co-operation through the EU, Ukraine has to align its
domestic legislation to EU law. It will have to implement 80 to 90 per cent of the acquis communautaire (the body of EU
law and regulations). This incentive structure for domestic reforms within a binding legal framework is not something the UK,
anxious to safeguard its sovereignty, will be prepared to return to, but these elements of the EU’s neighbourhood policy will bring
Ukraine closer to Ireland and other EU members.
Brexit Promises Not only Economic Uncertainty but Opportunities
As Ireland examines how to implement Brexit, and Ukraine further disentangles itself from Russia and integrates more closely with
the EU, both countries have new and much-needed opportunities to enhance trade and tourism so as to bolster their respective
economies. Fortunately, promising economic and trade opportunities abound for both countries. Robust mutual cooperation
between them in several sectors could significantly offset Ireland’s exposure to Brexit backlash while helping both to revitalise their
own economies, and collaterally the EU’s generally. Today, Ukraine’s strong transport system and burgeoning air travel and cargo
routes can bridge Ireland’s post-Celtic Tiger trade gap. This partnership offers Ireland access to much-needed imports previously
supplied by the United Kingdom and in return Ukraine would have access to a new trading partner.
Exports of Ukrainian goods to the EU increased by more than 30% in 2017 alone, reaching almost €15.86 billion. Ukraine’s export
of corn, sunflower oil, raw ore and steel, as well as other sundry goods make it an emerging player in the EU market. Ireland and
Ukraine traded more than €320 million worth of goods and services (a 40% increase since 2016). Not surprisingly, the main
exports to Ukraine were pharmaceuticals, food products, and equipment. Ireland’s primary imports included grain, ferrous metals
and oil – products.
No other market immediately available to Ireland, with even a nascent history of trade, can boast of a 40% increase in a
single year while promising continued near-term and long-term growth. Here are some recent inspiring examples. This month
Ryanair began operating from Ukraine. Initially, it plans to fly about 635,000 customers annually from airports in Kyiv and Lviv,
opening 15 new routes so far.
Meanwhile, a leading Irish construction company, the CRH Group, has successfully developed and expanded its business holdings
in Ukraine with a substantial investment in stone quarries and large-scale cement production plants in Odessa, Mykolaiv (Lviv
region), Kamiayanets-Podilskyi, Zhytomyr, and Bila Tserkva. And in February 2018, the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State
Administration and the Irish “Altostrata” company agreed on the construction of a 250-megawatt solar power costing around €255
million.
IT and Engineering Sectors
Dubbed the ‘Data Capital of Europe’, Ireland has a strong Information Technology (IT) sector worth more than €21.1 billion (as of
2016). The IT industry employs more than 105,000 people in both local businesses and multi-national companies. Conversely,
Ukraine hosts the fourth largest IT pool in the world. IT outsourcing has become Ukraine’s third largest export. An affinity between
Ukraine’s inherent IT skills, literacy and advanced education, could dovetail neatly with Ireland’s role. And, while Ireland continues
to undergo rapid infrastructure development, Ukraine is home to the largest engineering pool in Central and Eastern Europe (with
130,000 new graduates annually). These complimentary business sectors make a match between Ireland and Ukraine highly
attractive

Agri-Sector Opportunities
Ukraine is famous for its abundant fertile black soil, with 33 million hectares of arable land (with 30% of the world
share of soil banks – the largest in Europe). The country is among the leading global exporters of agricultural produce
including sunflower seeds and sunflower oil, honey, and grains, especially corn, wheat and barley. Ireland’s traditional
agriculture sector garnered more than €13.9 billion in 2016. The country is renowned for high quality produce, and
innovative modern processing technologies from which the Ukrainian agribusiness sector could benefit
Tourism
With Visa-Free travel available to Ukrainians throughout Europe (excepting
the UK and Ireland which opt-out of the Schengen Area); opportunities exist
to build further cultural and social ties. In 2016, Ireland’s tourism sector was
valued at €4.577 billion and is growing. Likewise, Ukraine’s tourist industry
has experienced a revival. With prices still relatively low and much on offer,
Ukraine offers an affordable and enjoyable opportunity for tourists. With the
average tourist stay in Ukraine being four-days, with an average spend of
only Six Hundred Euros per visitor, Ukraine offers Ireland a new and soughtafter
tourist destination at significant value-for-money. Should Ireland join
the rest of Europe and opt-in to the Schengen Area post-Brexit, and with
Ryanair establishing direct flights to and from Ukraine, the country could
share in a potentially lucrative Ukrainian tourist market.
All changed, changed utterly
Ireland and Ukraine share so much in common in their past. Their rich
Ukrainian with Mayor of Waterford
cultures, developed in the most difficult of conditions, is the stuff for crossfertilization.
But it’s not only about patriotic songs, drinking habits and stirring
poetry and literature. It’s about the very real new opportunities for mutually advantageous bilateral cooperation in trade, commerce,
science, technology, development and tourism that have been opened up by Ukraine’s return to Europe, Brexit, and the launching
of new cheap direct flights between the two countries, with help from the IT fraternities in both countries. In short, Ireland and
Ukraine are poised, if not destined, to finally discover one another for their mutual cultural and economic benefit.
______________________________________________________
Oksana Shadrina is a graduate of Taras Shavchenko University
and her husband, Miceal O’Hurley-Pitts previously served as
Counsel in the United States Congress

SelectedTelevisionAppearances
ABC,People&Perspectives,2018
UATV,GoodMorningUkraine,2017

SelectedTelevisionAppearances
ABC,People&Perspectives,2018
UATV,EnglishInternationalNews,2017

SelectedTelevisionAppearances
CTVNEWS,2001
CSPANCongressionalTestimony,1994