Pictures: People all across Cork turn out in force to support Darkness into Light events

Sat, 06 May, 2023 - 09:29

Amy Nolan

Crowds in their droves gathered at various locations across Cork in the early hours of the morning to participate in the annual Darkness into Light events in aid of Pieta.

Darkness into Light commenced in 2009 when around 400 people at the Phoenix Park in Dublin set off on the inaugural 5km walk.

From humble beginnings, Darkness into Light has now become a global movement dedicated to raising vital funds for Pieta’s life-saving services.

Some of the UCC Committee that organised Darkness into Light 2023 for Pieta.

Pieta provides a professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm and those bereaved by suicide.

All of the services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed.

Brilliant turnout for #DarknessIntoLight2023 at UCC this morning — as well as Ballyvolane, Ballincollig and many other locations. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/soshJNIWon
— Oliver Moran (@oliver_moran) May 6, 2023

Across the city and county, Cork again showed its support for the movement this year.

The Darkness into Light event which starts and finishes at UCC was launched this morning by Cllr Fergal Dennehy, deputising for the Lord Mayor.

The event, one of the largest outside of the Phoenix Park, saw crowds galore set off from the Quad at 4.15am.

Cllr Fergal Dennehy and Caitríona Twomey, volunteer co-ordinator of Cork Penny Dinners, at the Darkness into Light event at UCC. Picture credit: Mick Finn

Event co-ordinator Mick Finn said it was welcome to see the event return after a Covid-19 related hiatus.

“Up to 4,000 men, women and children - and loads of well behaved dogs - took part in the Cork City Darkness into Light at UCC.

“It was great to have it back for the first time in four years and while not as busy as other years, participants were thrilled to be back," he told The Echo.

“Thanks to all who took part, the organising committee, volunteer stewards, the team at UCC, the Gardaí, Cork City Council, the Order of Malta, the Irish Red Cross (Cork) and the High Hopes Choir who kept the walkers in high spirits."

Over on the northside, a fine crowd was also said to have gathered at Hollyhill Library in Knocknaheeny to participate in Darkness into Light 2023.

At the Darkness into Light walk starting at the Hollyhill Library Knocknaheeny. A fine crowd supporting a good cause and great to see so many young people taking part. pic.twitter.com/M8yi5T0Zoi
— Thomas Gould TD (@ThomasGouldSF) May 6, 2023

In Ballincollig, walkers and runners were treated to music from the White Horse Guitar Club as they set off on their way.

What a way to set off on the #darknessintolight2023 walk in #Ballincollig #Cork to the sounds of the @WHGuitarClub.
Thanks to all the volunteers who made the event happen. #DIL2023 You can donate whatever you can afford here: https://t.co/2R0kyl8ZZz pic.twitter.com/zxe3xuJU7q
— Eoin English (@EoinBearla) May 6, 2023

Elsewhere in Cork, some brave swimmers took to the water in Fountainstown to raise funds for Pieta.

Youghal and Kinsale were also among the many locations in Cork where communities joined in and set their alarm clocks for the most important sunrise of the year.

Debbie Laatz, centre, pictured with Caoilainn and Deborah Foley with Holly the dog at the Darkness into Light in Youghal. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Nationally, the 2023 Darkness into Light event was also well attended.

CEO of Pieta, Stephanie Manahan expressed her thanks to the event sponsors, Electric Ireland and all those who turned out to support Darkness into Light 2023.

“I want to thank Electric Ireland.

“I want to thank all of the people, the volunteers and most of all the participants, the people who came out in their hundreds of thousands to walk with us in Pieta and in Darkness into Light to walk in solidarity and community and to send a massive, massive message of hope to everybody who needs it out there,” she said.