IN PICTURES: Laois Palestine Solidarity Campaign hold 'bridgil' over Junction 15

"It was a sad day, but a good event," said Ms Faith Quille, Treasurer of the Laois Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

"The bridgils we hold are going quite well, they are very peaceful events," she said.

"We just want to show that Laois stands with Palestine. We target our bridgils to coincide with evening traffic, so many passers-by see us. We get really positive reactions- drivers flash their lights and wave, some even had their own flags or banners that they raise as they pass," Ms Quille said.

"They are family friendly events, with everyone welcome. Five of our fifteen volunteers were children at the most recent bridgil," she explained.

"I think it's a really positive step forward," said Ms Quille. "It was backed by Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley and Aisling Moran on the day. It was voted through. Since then, Dublin County Council and Sligo County Council have done the same thing, it has started a positive chain of reactions," she said.

"All are welcome to attend and support the campaign to end the transport of Israeli munitions through Irish airspace," said Ms Quille.

"A lot of the marches are usually in Dublin. Shannon is the area where the munitions are being transported through. We are a neutral country, we don't want any part in the transport of goods related to the war, be it in Lebanon, Palestine or anywhere people are being slaughtered," she said.

"This march will be a physical presence to show that the policy needs to change."

The group has seen their numbers double in under a month, due to the protests and vigils they have undertaken. 

"We have local people who march in Dublin and then are pleased to hear that there's a solidarity group here in Laois too," Ms Quille said.

"We will be attending Catherine Young's 'Floating on a Dead Sea' in the Dunamaise on Wednesday October 16. It's a great performance that promotes Palestinian culture," she said.

The Laois group recently took part in the 'Walk the Petition Campaign', which saw a petition for the Irish Government to enact the Occupied Territories Bill walked from Kerry to Leinster House. 

LPSC saw 60 volunteers spend two days walking the petition from Roscrea to Newbridge, to hand it over to the Kildare Palestine Solidarity Campaign. A candlelit vigil was held in Fitzmaurice Place, Portlaoise, as part of the campaign.

"The vigil really was amazing," Ms Quille said.

"I was able to attend the official hand over of the petition in Dublin, it was really great to see. In the end, the official petition was not handed over, as it is still gaining signatures. We encourage people to sign this petition in solidarity with the people of Palestine," Ms Quille finished.

Those who wish to sign the petition may do so here.