Kildare people take part in marches over Belfast rape trial

As many as 7,000 people gathered outside City Hall in Dublin today to demonstrate following the Belfast rape trial.

Hundreds also took part in similar protests are taking place today in Belfast, Cork and Galway today.

In Dublin, many held placards with the words "Stand with Survivors".

They marched to the Department of Justice on St Stephen's Green where speeches took place.

Sophie Fitzgerald, from Maynooth attended a march in Dublin on Thursday.

She said she joined the protest to support those who may be afraid to report sexual assault following Wednesday’s verdict.

She added: “There are people here who support her and that we’re not going to let this happen again. There needs to be a change.”

Two Ulster and Ireland rugby players, Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding, were found not guilty of rape on Wednesday.

Blane McIlroy was found not guilty of exposure, Rory Harrison was found not guilty of perverting the course of justice and not guilty of withholding information in the same trial in Belfast.