A nationwide public sector work stoppage is continuing as we move into this evening.
More than 300 thousand workers are manning up to two thousand picket lines at schools, hospitals, courts and local authorities.
It comes amid a pay dispute with the government, after unions declined an invitation to attend talks this week.
A second day of strike action is planned for next Wednesday, when services in our locality and elsewhere are set to close again.
KCLR News spoke to some of those picketing at St Luke's General Hospital Carlow Kilkenny this morning.