One Million Stars project opens at The Goods Shed in Kilkenny

Representatives from Amber Women’s Refuge and MacDonagh Junction were joined by star weavers from Kilkenny and the local Ukrainian community on Tuesday to mark the occasion on the traditional day of love. 

This is the installation’s second time at MacDonagh and the first time at the Goods Shed.

The stars were first at the Centre in 2020 when 10,000 stars had been woven by locals. 

LOVE and the Selfie Star, gifted to the project by local firms JM Steel and CDS Metalwork, now hosts over 40,000 stars combined. 

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“Amber’s One Million Stars LOVE installation has been part of the Kilkenny landscape since 2020. Since then, it has toured various venues around Kilkenny city and 40,000 hand woven stars have been added by members of the community in solidarity against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.  We are delighted to again spread the LOVE at MacDonagh Junction and would like to thank the Centre for graciously hosting the stars.”

“We opened the installation on Valentine’s Day, the annual day of love, as a reminder that not everyone in our community experiences healthy, loving relationships.  We hope the stars let them know they are not alone and that help is available.” says Siobhan McQuillan, Project Lead, Amber’s One Million Stars project. 

“We are thrilled to have Amber’s One Million Stars LOVE stars installation back at MacDonagh Junction. This wonderful installation was with us in Workhouse Square in 2020 and sent a beautiful message of love and peace to all of us during Covid lockdown. We are so excited to have them back in more normal times and look forward to seeing the community enjoy and share their important message.” says Marion Acreman, Manager, MacDonagh Junction SC.

Amber’s One Million Stars Ireland project is an inclusive community arts project connecting communities across Ireland in solidarity against domestic abuse and all forms of violence.  

Each eight-point star represents light, hope and solidarity against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, promoting the project’s eight points of healthy love within relationships.  Stars are curated into the travelling ’LOVE’ stars installation, spreading love and hope for a future free from violence and abuse for all in the community. 

Register as a star weaver or weaving group at www.onemillionstarsireland.ie to help weave One Million Stars to End Violence in Ireland. 

Star weavers in Kilkenny and 21 other counties have already woven over 200,000 stars to end violence in Ireland.  

Amber Women’s Refuge 24/7 Helpline : 0818 42 42 44

Men’s Aid Ireland Helpline : 01 554 3811