Local Darkness Into Light events
THOUSANDS of people gathered at sunrise this morning at local Darkness Into Light events in aid of suicide prevention charity Pieta.
This morning marked the return of in-person events for Darkness Into Light since 2019, and people gathered in the early hours to walk with family and friends and watch the sunrise, remembering loved ones they have lost and raising awareness for suicide and self-harm.
From humble beginnings to a now global event, Darkness Into Light has raised a whopping €29m for Pieta since starting in 2009. This year, thousands of people in over 200 locations in ten countries took part in the event.
Many local parks hosted this year’s Darkness Into Light walks including Tymon Park, Marlay Park and Corkagh Park.
Over 1,300 people turned out for Corkagh Park’s first ever Darkness into Light event in the early hours of this morning.
A committee member from the Corkagh Park event, told The Echo: “It was a fantastic success. Over 1300 people took part at our inaugural event that started from the lakeside carpark.
“Dublin Gospel Choir sang beautifully beforehand, Emer Higgins TD was MC, Lorraine a local Zumba teacher did a fantastic warm up to Jerusalem and then we were off.
“The route was decorated the whole way around with lights and artwork from local schools and Clondalkin Youth Reach.
“We had singing from Taylor D and Jack Whelan and great craic and laughs with the RAMs. Four districts first responders were there as were the Order of Malta and St John’s Ambulance and we had 50 plus volunteers.”
Thomas Davis GAA members at their Darkness Into Light walk this morning
Several GAA Clubs also held Darkness Into Light walks this morning which had fantastic turn outs from members of the local community.
Thomas Davis GAA Club in Tallaght held a 5km walk from their clubhouse, raising an incredible €955 for Pieta.
The club said in a statement: “We had a fantastic turn out this morning for our Darkness Into Light walk. Many thanks to our event co-ordinator Carmel Lynch for putting it all together.
“Thanks to Shane Smith who said a few words about mental health awareness and Nico Crowley for singing a song on top of the Kiltipper hill in memory of all that have lost their life to suicide.
“Lastly thanks to Jackie, Niamh and Deirdre for organizing the complimentary coffee and tea, we raised a whopping total of €955 for Pieta through voluntary donations in the coffee shop.”
St Anne’s GAA Club also held a walk which was organised by Fergus Walsh and the club’s Health and Well-being committee.
Members from St Anne’s GAA at the Tree of Hope in Glenasmole
The club said: “We met at 4.30am at the club and walked the 3.5km to the from St Anne’s GAA to Tree of Hope in Glenasmole and back to the club for complimentary tea, coffee and breakfast rolls supplied by our wonderful bar staff.”
N.I.N.A for Life Suicide Awareness held a sunrise walk in aid of Pieta this morning at Kingswood Community Centre in Tallaght.
The community organisation said: “What an amazing morning. Seeing everyone out to support the very many beautiful souls struggling, and remembering all our loved ones passed away, we felt emotional and hopeful.
“A heartfelt thank you to our Kingswood community centre, our Kingswood’s community choir, Charlie O Conor, our Nina Buddy Bear, Christy Corcoran and our very many volunteers, and supporters for your dedication and hard work.
“Our Nina For Life sun rise walk wouldn’t be possible without you.
“We hope everyone has a good rest and a reminder that if you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, engaging in self-harm or have lost a loved one please, please reach out”
Pieta offers a 24-hour free crisis helpline as well as a text messaging service if you or someone you know is in crisis experiencing suicidal ideation, engaging in self-harm or have been bereaved by suicide, there is someone there to listen and help, day or night.
Pieta also has centres locally in Ballyfermot, Lucan and Tallaght.
The 24-hour Free crisis helpline is available every day so please call 1800 247 247 or Text HELP 51444.
