Kilkenny Castle lights up green for World Cholangiocarcinoma Day

Iconic landmarks across Ireland, including Kilkenny Castle, were illuminated green on Thursday as part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness for Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare and aggressive cancer.

The initiative aims to shine a light on this often-overlooked disease and generate support for patients and families affected by it. Buildings and monuments including The Rock of Cashel, Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, Custom House in Dublin and more were bathed in green light, symbolising hope and solidarity with those battling this rare condition. The campaign also seeks to educate the public about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for CCA.

Co-founder of Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland, Karen Dunne said: “In September 2024 my husband Kieran passed away from Cholangiocarcinoma. He survived for six months only from the date of diagnosis. He was a fit and vibrant 49- year-old with three children aged 17, 15 and 10.

"During his short illness we spent a lot of our precious time researching this cancer, there was very little information and expertise available. We looked to Europe and the US where a much wider range of treatments were available. Devastatingly Kieran passed away before we could travel to the US for treatment.

"Since his untimely death, I, along with five other Irish people affected by this cancer, have set up a new Irish support group called Cholangiocarcinoma Ireland. We are in the process of setting up a non-profit organisation to provide support, advice and advocacy for this cancer which affects approximately 250 people per annum in Ireland."
READ NEXT: KILKENNY ONE OF SIX PLACES IDENTIFIED FOR ST PATRICK'S DAY INITIATIVE