Latest news with #DarknessintoLight
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow Darkness Into Light: More than 1,000 people take part in town's ninth walk
The majority of participants were dressed in yellow in a show of support for Pieta House, who are the main benefactors of the event. The organising committee consisted of members of Wicklow and District Lions Club plus staff and students from Coláiste Chill Mhantáin. Darkness into Light committee member Geraldine Mooney said: 'A night like this wouldn't have happened without the hard work ad dedication of the committee. The helpers on board were exceptional and we are so grateful towards their efforts.' Before setting off for the 4.15am start, participants took part in a warm-up sessions to get them prepared, while Fergal Canterbury provided the music which helped set the atmosphere as everyone gathered at Leitrim Place, beside the Brass Fox. Darkness into Light departed at 4.15am, making its way through the town, along the port access Road, past Wicklow Primary Care Centre, and back along the Murrough. Warm coffee and tea awaited all the participants back at the finishing line to help them freshen up after their journey. A large proportion of those taking part stayed around afterwards to mingle and watch the sun rise together. The fundraising continues this Saturday, May 17, with a 'Choirs Unite for Pieta' concert at Dominican College Wicklow, starting at 7.30pm. The performers on the night will be Wicklow Male Voice Choir and special guests, the Duhallow Choral Society from Co Cork. Tickets are available from Earls Newsagents or from any member of the choir and all Lions members. All children are welcome free of charge. Next year marks Wicklow town's tenth year supporting Darkness into Light and there are some big plans in motion to mark the occasion.
Irish Independent
13-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘It just resonates locally, in the absence of those services, that we can fill some sort of gap' – Darkness into Light empowers families of loved ones who died by suicide in New Ross
The event which aims to raise awareness around suicide and the services offered by Pieta House, is also a place where people, who have been directly impacted by the death of a loved one or friend through suicide, can support each other throughout the 5 km route, which has again this year proven to be an emotional time for all involved. Speaking about the bittersweet event held in New Ross, a member of the organising committee, Sinéad Dolan, explained that it was a community effort in preparing for the walk which catered for approximately 400 people. Members of the Traveller community assisted with setting out the route with signage and candles; Owen Lennon of Medi-Fit prepared the crowed in attendance as he carried out a warm-up before the walk commenced; and a welcomed addition to this year's event was that TY students from CBS Secondary School New Ross hosted the social connect where they provided tea and coffee afterwards in the school, where people could also have a chat. "Darkness into Light is always an emotional event,' said Sinéad. 'We had five families with us on the walk, that we knew of, who have been directly impacted by suicide in the district in the last year or so,' she continued. 'Some of those family members approached us afterwards, they were naturally upset, but also felt empowered and supported by the community around them. "These people shared with us that they have availed of the bereavement service offered by Pieta, and its also the empathy from the community that carried a lot of people through the grief that they are still going through every day." Sinéad, who volunteers with various charities and is a member of the New Ross Women's Shed, said she chose to become a member of the Pieta organising committee in the area because when she was a teenager a close friend of hers died by suicide, leaving so many questions unanswered. She also explained that growing up, there was a number of suicides in the area of her housing estate where she lived with her family, and she has always been conscious of how the deaths of her late friends and her friends' parents by suicide have impacted and devastated the lives of others in the community. "The transparency of the funds in Pieta is one reason I chose to support the organisation, but the gap in services across the county, particularly where mental health beds and services are concerned is another. "We fought so hard to get the Pieta office opened in Wexford, and there's such a gap in services with either the government or the HSE, and those beds were never replaced when St Senan's closed down, so although Pieta is available and has its services, we still need to work as a community in regards to mental health and suicide prevention and we need an emergency crisis service for people that are at the point of suicide. "Last year, 400 people were helped by Pieta in Wexford and that puts it into perspective, because it is impactful. And you can see the impact directly at events like the walk on Saturday when you people coming afterwards came up and said, 'I wouldn't have got through it last year without the help of Pieta.' It just resonates, locally, in the absence of those services, that we can fill some sort of gap,' Sinéad said. The organising committee would like to thank the District Council and all sponsors and local businesses who made the event possible.
Irish Examiner
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
In pictures: Thousands across Ireland gather to mark Darkness Into Light
Tens of thousands of people joined in this year's Darkness Into Light, the national fundraiser for suicide and self-harm prevention charity Pieta, an event marking its 16th year. Walks took place at 230 locations across Ireland this year, while 180 sunrise walks occurred around the world. In 2024, Pieta provided 6,383 free therapy hours to people in Cork, as well as helping hundreds more across the country. Each year in Ireland, around 500 people die by suicide. One in five of us will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. Since its establishment, Darkness into Light has helped Pieta raise over €36 million, allowing the charity to continue offering its lifesaving services. To avail of Pieta services, visit or call 0818 111 126. Pieta provides 24/7 support via the freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444. Here are some images from this morning's moving event. Martin and Caroline Lally, Paul Harrington and Aiden O'Brien at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins Pictured at Phoenix Park, Dublin is Laura Varga, Jess Rangel and Milla the dog. Picture: Bryan Keane, Inpho Photography Trish Walsh, Sean Murphy and Catherine Kelleher taking part in the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins Pictured are participants at the Malahide event. Picture: Tom Honan, Inpho Photography. Walkers approach the finish of the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins Cork Penny Dinners High Hopes Choir singing at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins Runners Michael Coleman, Bishopstown GAA and Callum Harrington, Leevale AC at the finish of the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins Pictured at the Salthill, Galway event is Fatimo Abubakr and Jennifer Enokeran. Picture: James Crombie, Inpho Photography. Volunteers Kevin and Christopher Gearns with Sophia O'Callaghan who were helping out at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins Walkers set off in darkness and finish as dawn is breaking, to symbolise hope for those in distress or who have been bereaved through suicide. Pictured are participants at the Salthill, Galway event. Picture: ©INPHO/James Crombie Fergus, Laura, Emilia and Monika Coghlan, Blackrock at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins
Irish Daily Mirror
09-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Circle K to offer free tea and coffee to Darkness into Light participants
Circle K is showing its support for Pieta's Darkness into Light walk this year by offering participants free tea and coffee at any of its Irish locations, excluding smaller Circle K Express stores. Those wishing to avail of the offer need to quote 'Darkness into Light' at the point of purchase to claim their free beverage. The offer is available from 5am to 8am on Saturday morning and covers both teas and coffees of any size, hot or cold. More than 100,000 people are expected to take part in this year's Darkness into Light, covering more than 200 locations nationwide - many of which are close to Circle K locations. The offer also applies to iced coffee, matcha and hot chocolate, but excludes K-Freeze drinks. With over 420 locations across Ireland, Circle K's management hopes to support Darkness into Light's mission on a nationwide scale. 'All of us at Circle K are proud to once again lend our support to Pieta's annual Darkness into Light which spotlights the importance of mental wellbeing," said Ciara Foxton, managing director at Circle K Ireland. "Suicide and self-harm has an impact on every community across the country so it is vital that we show our support to all participating in such an important event and give hope to those who need it most. "We hope this small gesture of kindness of offering a free coffee or tea, to everyone taking part, will help set them up for the day ahead after their contribution towards Pieta's services.' Pieta's annual Darkness into Light walk, which aims to spread awareness of suicide prevention, first took place in Dublin's Phoenix Park in 2009 and saw 400 participants covering a 5km distance in the early hours of the morning. The event has seen a sharp rise in scale in the years since, culminating in hundreds of thousands taking part this year. Local clubs, teams and universities can register their participation, while latecomers can also register on the day of the walk. The event is scheduled to begin at 4.15am on Saturday morning - however, sunrise can often occur at different times across the country and participants are asked to check the exact time of sunrise for their location ahead of time. Anyone can organise a Darkness into Light walk for their area through the Pieta website - those unable to attend the walk are encouraged to raise funds in alternative ways, such as hosting coffee mornings or car washes. For more details and FAQs, visit the Pieta website here.
Irish Independent
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Darkness Into Light walks Cork 2025: Here are all the locations in the Rebel County
You can still participate in the walk if you didn't register. All you have to do is show up on the morning. Each walk takes place at 4:15am on Saturday, May 10. Here's a list of all the Cork locations: Ballincollig: The starting point for the Ballincollig walk is at Coláiste Choilm (P31NY77). The walk is pet friendly, wheelchair accessible and refreshments will be served on-site. Parking is also available. Ballyvourney: The Ballyvourney walk will begin at Áras Abán CLG Naomh Abán. Bandon: The Bandon walk will begin outside the Riverview Shopping Centre located on McSwiney's Quay (P72TP26). Bantry: The West Cork town's walk will start at the home of Bantry Blues GAA Club at Páirc Wolfe Tone (P75AH70). Blarney: Blarney's walk will begin outside the GAA club grounds in Blarney (T23KP73). This walk is pet friendly with parking facilities on-site. Refreshments will also be available. Castletownbere: Castletownbere's walk will start at Cametringane (P75WF59). Clonakilty: The starting point for the Clonakilty walk is in the West Cork Model Railway Village, Inchydoney Road, Youghals, Clonakilty (P85HR26). Cobh: Cobh's walk will start outside the Heritage Centre, Lower Road in Cobh (P24CY67). Cork City Northside: Glen Rovers Hurling Club will be the starting point for the Darkness Into Light walk north of the River Lee. Crosshaven: Crosshaven's walk will start across from the Grand Hotel in Crosshaven (P43HD40). Drinagh: The home of Drinagh Ranger, the Canon Crowley Park will be the starting point for Drinagh's walk (P47PH29). Dunmanway: Sam Maguire Park in Dunmanway (P47HY98) will be the starting park for their walk. Farran: Farran Community Hall in Farran will be the starting point for their walk (P31DY05). Fermoy: The starting point for Fermoy will be outside the Fermoy GAA Health and Fitness Club, which is located in Fitzgerald's Park on Oliver Plunkett Hill. Glanmire: Glanmire Community College will be the starting point for the Glanmire walk. Inchigeelagh: The Iveleary GAA Club grounds will kick off the walk in Inchigeelagh (P12FC67). Kanturk: The Kanturk walk will begin outside the Edel Quinn Memorial Hall on the Inchwell Road (P51YC65). Kinsale: KRD Community Association, Sáile Sports and Leisure Centre, Cappagh will be the starting point for the Kinsale walk which is also pet friendly, wheelchair accessible along with parking facilities and refreshments served on-site. Macroom: Those intending to complete the Darkness into Light walk in Macroom are asked to assemble in the town square (P12YX48. Mallow: Mallow's College of Further Education will be the starting point for the walk (P51P732). Midleton: Midleton walkers will meet outside the Market Green Shopping Centre on Saturday morning. Millstreet: The Millstreet walk will start outside the Millstreet Medical Centre, which is located on the Killarney Road (P51H278). Mitchelstown: The starting point in Mitchelstown is outside the leisure centre (P67EK58). Schull: Walkers in Schull are asked to meet outside the Schull Community Preschool (P81KN80). Skibbereen: O'Donovan Rossa GAA Club, Marsh, Skibbereen (P81HF74) is the starting point in the West Cork town. Ballineen/Enniskeane: The starting spot is located outside St Mary's GAA Club (P47E863). University College Cork: Those intending to walk the UCC route are asked to meet outside the Boole Library on the UCC campus. Watergrasshill: Watergrasshill walkers will start their journey at the playground (T56EW80. Youghal: The starting point is Youghal is outside the Aura Youghal Leisure Centre (P36 C978).
