Huge reaction as Kilkenny cathedral lights up blue and white 'in solidarity' with Israel

There has been a huge outpouring of reaction to the decision taken yesterday evening to light up St Canice's Cathedral in the Israeli colours.

Posting on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Dean of St Canice's Cathedral, Stephen Farrell, stated: "Tonight St Canice’s Cathedral Kilkenny is blue and white in solidarity with the people of Israel."

Tonight St Canice’s Cathedral Kilkenny is blue and white in solidarity with the people of Israel. @IsraelinIreland pic.twitter.com/pK8N6HV8mc

— Stephen Farrell (@stephenafarrell) October 8, 2023

Accompanying the post are two pictures of the Kilkenny landmark illuminated in the colours of the Israeli flag.

So far, the post has amassed over 130,000 views on the social media platform, and has stirred up a lot of debate (some examples below).

Embarrassing. Kilkenny stands with Palestine

— ᎷᎧᎧᏖ ᏖᏗᎮᏋᏕ (@PolytunnelMusic) October 8, 2023

When are you going to light it up in solidarity with the people of the Gaza strip?

— Padraig Ó Domhnaill (@CatalpaPadraig) October 9, 2023

Well done Rev Farrell!

— Paddy Manning ن (@PaddyJManning) October 8, 2023

The decision to light up the cathedral in the Israeli colours comes following the latest escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which, so far, has claimed approximately 1,200 lives.

Around 700 people have been killed in Israel and nearly 500 have been killed in Gaza.

Israel also formally declared war on Sunday, portending greater fighting ahead, and a possible ground assault into Gaza – a move that in the past has brought intensified casualties.