Darkness into Light walk set for May 11

THE Lord Mayor of Cork Kieran McCarthy has launched the Cork City 2024 Darkness into Light event, encouraging the public to set their alarm clocks for “the most important sunrise of the year”.

Cork City’s longest walk will set off from the grounds of University College Cork (UCC) at 4.15am on May 11, while a Cork northside event in Ballyvolane will start and finish at Glen Rovers GAA Club, along with other locations in Blarney, Glanmire, and Ballincollig.

Outside of the city, Darkness Ino Light (DIL) 5km walks and runs will take place right across Cork county, including: Adrigole, Ballineen/Enniskeane, Ballyvourney, Bandon, Bantry, Castletownbere, Clonakilty, Cobh, Drinagh, Dunmanway, Farran, Fermoy, Inchigeelagh, Kanturk, Kinsale, Macroom, Mallow, Midleton, Millstreet, Mitchelstown, Schull, Sherkin Island, Skibbereen, Watergrasshill and Youghal.

“Thousands of people are expected to throng to UCC and the 29 other venues for this year’s Darkness into Light, for Pieta, taking place on May 11,” UCC committee member Mick Finn told The Echo.

“People participate for various reasons and unfortunately many households, parishes and communities have been touched by suicide and its aftermath.

“Walking or running the various routes with others provides some comfort and solace for people that they are not alone and that there is always help available.

“DIL is crucial in keeping Pieta counselling and other services freely available. Registration is now open.

“High Hopes Choir, KSG Catering, and Glanmire Ices will be on hand at the UCC event to enhance the experience,” he said.

“Thanks to the small volunteer committee that organises it, to all the new volunteers who have put their hands up this year, and to our partners — UCC, the gardaí, Cork City Council, Order of Malta and Irish Red Cross — without whom this event could not take place,” Mr Finn added.

• See darknessintolight.ie