Polish Airmen at Irish Universities after WWII

‘I think we should do all in our power to help’: The story of Polish airmen at Irish universities after WWII

Guest Speaker: Dr. Bożena Cierlik, University College Cork
Introduction: Ambassador Gerard Keown
Thursday, 8 December 2016 at 18.00
Polish Army Museum, Aleje Jerozolimskie 3, Warsaw

Although neutral during WWII, Ireland became a temporary home for large numbers of Polish soldiers and airmen after the war who had fought during it. They came to study at Irish universities at the request of the Government-in-Exile, the first group arriving in 1946. For the Irish government, this was a way of showing solidarity with Poland. Most of the Polish soldiers and airmen studied at University College Cork, with others studying in Dublin and Galway.

The story of Polish airmen in Ireland had largely been forgotten, but is now being uncovered by a Polish historian at University College Cork, Dr. Bożena Cierlik. A graduate of the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Dr. Cierlik was awarded a PhD in University College Cork for her comparative analysis of Polish and Irish political life from 1918-1939. Dr. Cierlik now lectures in Polish history at University College Cork.

This talk, in Polish with simultaneous translation into English, will explain how Polish airmen and soldiers came to study in Ireland and their experiences at Irish universities.

Places at this event are limited. To avoid disappointment, please secure your seat by registering on Eventbrite.