Corkagh, Marlay and Tymon to host Darkness Into Light
Johnny Fox and his friend Jim Reardon, who is Johnny’s son Fergal’s godfather appear in the TV ad promoting Darkness Into Light 2022

Corkagh, Marlay and Tymon to host Darkness Into Light

DARKNESS into Light 2022 will take place at sunrise on Saturday, May 7, as official in-person events on the day are back for the first time in three years.

Darkness into Light is an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and peers and bring hope and light to those who have been impacted by suicide. The fundraising event raises awareness in the global fight against suicide and self-harm and has raised €29m for Pieta since starting in 2009.

This year marks the return of the in-person events which will take place across the world, including many local venues including Corkagh Park, Tymon Park and Marlay Park. Thomas Davis GAA Club in Tallaght are also holding the 5km walk from the clubhouse on the morning with refreshments in the club coffee shop afterwards and is open to all the community.

All of the walks begin at 4:15am, and you can sign up through the Darkness Into Light website at Darkness into light.

Marlay Park will provide the setting for one of these walks, with 4,000 participants expected through the gates for the first time since 2019.

Speaking ahead of the event, Darkness into Light Marlay Park committee chair, Brian O’Doherty, said: “We are really delighted that we can return to Marlay Park on May 7 and look forward to seeing the local community unite, once again, for this important cause.

“Marlay Park is a beautiful setting at any time of the day or night, but is especially so during Darkness into Light, with fairy lights, the banner of hope, and the silent kilometre setting a serene scene.

“In the five years between 2015-2019, Marlay Park participants have helped to raise more than €600,000 for Pieta, with €136,718 raised in 2019. This is incredible financial support, but the awareness that the event has created in relation to suicide, self-harm and, importantly, the help that exists for people who are in despair, is priceless.”

Also hosting one of the 5km walks for the first time ever this year is Corkagh Park. Volunteers are still needed for the event, and people can email corkaghpark@darknessintolight.ie to register your interest to volunteer.

Speaking ahead of the event, Lorraine Murphy, Chair of Darkness Into Light, Corkagh Park, said: “Thanks to a team of local volunteers, Corkagh Park, for the first time ever, will be a venue for the flagship Pieta fundraiser.

“Each year Darkness into Light provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide. We are hoping that the local community will get behind us and make Clondalkin’s first official Darkness into Light a success for Pieta.”

You can get involved in Darkness into Light in three ways – Sign up to one of the in-person walks across Ireland and the world, taking part in your own way and sharing your sunrise moment with family, friends or colleagues or take part in the Darkness into Light Challenge.

It is important to remember that no matter how you choose to take part this year, you’ll be giving the gift of hope to those in your community in suicidal crisis, or self-harming.

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