Brendan Murphy was born into the Irish diaspora, returning home to Ireland in 1996, after multiple attempts, just as the Comet Hale-Bopp became visible, leading the way home as the bright light it was. He has lived in the Cooley Mountains in Tullaghomeath, high above Carlingford Lough since 1997, where his sense of belonging and identity have been nourished by the warmth of neighbours and community.

Brendan's work as a Business Consultant has taken him to many countries, but it is Ukraine which left a mark on him, never to fade or be forgotten. He built a home away from home. Forged and nurtured friendships, which have seen them through war, turmoil and escape.

A year into his separation from his ex-wife, meeting and falling in love with Sophia (not her real name) was what truly grounded him in Ukraine, even if it took them twelve years and two glorious attempts at their marriage. First the green wedding, then the blue.

However, new home, family and life was suddenly disrupted by the threat of war and arguments with the Irish government, culminating on the morning Russia attacked where he lived, on 24 February 2022.

From that moment, it was a race against time and death, as Brendan, along with Sophia and her family, navigated country roads in a small Skoda Fabia, sheltering in safe houses, and with no documents, hoping to make it to Ireland, before they too would become lifeless bodies, strewn about the roads, as many, horrifically, have done.

This is their story.