Hundreds march in Kilkenny in solidarity with the Palestinian people

The ‘March for Palestine’ in Kilkenny held last Saturday was one of the largest demonstrations held in the city in many years.

Over 1,000 people of all ages and backgrounds, took part in the march, which was organised by the Kilkenny Community Palestine Solidarity Group, with support from many others. Whole families, individuals and community groups from Kilkenny and the surrounding counties gathered at 1pm at the Castle gate, with a mass display of Palestinian, Irish and Kilkenny flags. For some it was the first time in their lives to join a demonstration.

Four women with white shrouded bundles in their arms, were followed by four men carrying a small white coffin, symbols of the deaths of tens of thousands of babies and children in Gaza. There were tears shed on the march and amongst the people watching. READ MORE KILKENNY CITY NEWS HERE

Next came the banners of the KCPSG and Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign groups from Carlow and Laois along with banners saying ‘Stop the Genocide’ ‘Stop the Bombing’ and ‘End The Occupation’.

Home-made banners included many and varied slogans including ‘Our Government is Complicit with Genocide’ and ‘Stop killing children like me’.

Other groups taking part included young people from the Irish Travellers Movement, SIPTU Trade Union and the rainbow flags of Kilkenny Pride.
At the Parade, a very large crowd listened to speakers from the KCPSG and from IPSC representatives from Carlow and Kildare. Kevin Shore, Chairperson of KCPSG and a member of PBP, spoke about the situation of tens of thousands of women in Gaza who were having to give birth during the terrible situation, with few medical services left.

Mr Shore also said that as well as passing the Occupied Territories Bill Government must impose a total arms embargo on Israel.

There have been weekly demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza since October 2023.