'Another great occasion': Strong turnout for Darkness into Light events across Cork
Volunteers along with local youngsters taking part in the Darkness into Light walk in aid of Pieta in Cobh. Photo: David Keane.
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 (DIL) 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.
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.
Across the city and county, Cork again showed its support for the movement this year.
In the city, the Darkness into Light event which starts and finishes at UCC drew the largest crowd in years, according to UCC committee member Mick Finn.
“People seemed to have enjoyed the event which definitely was the biggest in years,” he told .
“Deputy Lord Mayor councillor Colette Finn sent participants on their way around the 5km loop from the UCC Quad, taking in the Mardyke and Sunday's Well.
Delighted to start the #DarknessIntoLight event this morning in @UCC. Amazing turnout & over 30 events in Cork. Thinking of those touched by suicide. pic.twitter.com/YA5bjRq2EQ
— Colette Finn (@ColetteFinnCork) May 11, 2024
“Thanks to all those who took part and donated and special thanks to all those who volunteered as stewards on campus and along the route.
“High Hopes Choir set the tone with some great music, while refreshments were provided by KSG Catering and Glanmire Ices.
“I would also like to thank the small group of fantastic people on our committee who helped ensure another great occasion.
“Hopefully, the money raised for Pieta will continue to support people in our communities.
“Thanks also to Pat Cotter and staff at UCC, the Gardaí, Cork City Council, Order of Malta and Irish Red Cross for their vital inputs,” the Independent councillor and former Lord Mayor added.
I walked into dawn this morning with the newly re-started Cork Northside #DarknessIntoLight in aid of suicide awareness and counselling.
— Oliver Moran 🇪🇺 (@oliver_moran) May 11, 2024
Congratulations to my ward colleague, John Maher, and all the committee involved for a fantastic experience — and everyone who took part. 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/28xRCxchiV
Meanwhile, a Darkness into Light event that had previously taken place in Ballyvolane resumed this year following a hiatus since the pandemic.
“Over 300 attended the DIL Cork northside [event] at Glen Rovers Hurling Club after a five year break,” committee member John Maher said.
“The committee are brilliant and we’ve learnt so much in the build up to this event and we are planning for 2025 already.
“It was lovely to see the crowds pass through Ballyvolane, Mayfield, the Glen, Blackpool and Dublin Hill, supporting each other and remembering loved ones.
“Thank you to all who supported the event,” Mr Maher, who is also a Labour Party councillor, continued.
In total, 30 DIL events took place in Cork this year with locations also including Ballincollig, Blarney, Youghal, Cobh and Fountainstown.
Nationally, the 2024 Darkness into Light event was also well attended.
CEO of Pieta, Stephanie Manahan expressed her thanks to everyone who took part this year.
“Thank you all for your support, everybody up an down the land, we really, really appreciate your support and the work that you do for Pieta.
“We couldn’t do the work we do without you so please continue to support us,” she said.
To avail of Pieta services, visit www.pieta.ie or call 0818 111 126.
Pieta provides 24/7 support via the freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444.
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