Darkness Into Light is ‘very powerful and it’s a symbol of hope’
FORMER professional footballer Eoin Doyle says the difference in attitudes towards mental health in football is “massive” compared to when he began his career as a teenager.
Now aged 36, the Firhouse native spoke to The Echo shortly after being announced as ambassador for this year’s Darkness into Light fundraiser in aid of mental health charity Pieta House.
Eoin’s career included playing as a forward for St Pat’s, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers and Cardiff City before announcing his retirement from football in July last year.
Over the years, Eoin witnessed a change in attitudes towards being aware of and responsive to the needs of footballers who struggle with their mental health.
“The difference is massive,” the past pupil of Firhouse Community College said.
“It’s accepted and people are helped, but before, that wasn’t the case.
“We didn’t hear about it, and it wasn’t mentioned at all. Football has changed massively, and I have to hand it to the Irish PFA, they have resources there.
At the launch of Darkness Into Light 2024 are ambassadors Erica Cody, Eoin Doyle
and Bláthnaid Treacy. Photos INPHO/Dan Sheridan
“There’s a 24/7 helpline for anyone affected. The help and the aids for people that need it are improving all the time, and the momentum should continue.”
Right now, Eoin’s focus is on attending Darkness into Light 2024 in Marlay Park on Saturday, May 11, after being asked by the charity to be an ambassador for the emotive event.
“I’ve never done Darkness into Light before, but my wife and my mam have done it and they always talk about how powerful and touching it is,” he explained.
“They told me there are moments when you’ll see people laughing, and there’ll be moments when you walk past people who’ve been seriously affected.”
The walk will begin at 4.15am on Saturday, May 11 in parks around the county including Corkagh Park, Lucan Demesne, and in Tymon Park starting at St Jude’s GAA Club.
The event will bring communities together, beginning in darkness and continuing through to dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope.
Eoin added: “The message of the event is very powerful, it’s a symbol of hope and solidarity in the fight against suicide and self-harm.
“I’m looking forward to going out and experiencing it myself, and it gives me great hope to know that there are services out there for people who need help.
“Some of the statistics that were put to me about suicide and self-harm were staggering.
“Suicide is the leading cause of death for men in Ireland under 25.”
The €26 euro fee paid by each Darkness into Light participant will enable Pieta House to answer two calls to their 24/7 helpline, which provides immediate support and guidance to people in crisis.
Last year, the charity received 100,000 calls and texts to its crisis helpline, provided nearly 52,000 hours of therapy and saw close to 7,000 clients across the country.
Over 85 per cent of the charity’s annual income comes from public fundraising, with Darkness into Light being a key highlight in their fundraising calendar.
To sign up for Darkness into Light visit HERE.
Pieta provides 24/7 support via the freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply).
