'With every song we sang, the light got brighter': Thousands across Cork mark Darkness Into Light

It was still dark in UCC, just after 4am, the trees and gravel pathways around the quad marked out by tiny tea lights, as the Cork Penny Dinners High Hopes Choir sang nearly 4,000 runners and walkers out through the archway and down toward Gaol Cross.

There were scenes like it all across the country this early morning, as 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.

Dozens of events happened across Cork city and county for this year’s Darkness Into Light, with emotional scenes in UCC as the High Hopes Choir sang on the pre-dawn campus.

Caitríona Twomey, Penny Dinners volunteer co-ordinator, said those gathered at the quad were moved by the generosity of those who set out to mark the event and remember those absent.

“It was very powerful, I think we were all thinking of loved ones, and some of the people there, their hearts were breaking on the inside, but they went out to show solidarity and to remember, and to hope,” she said.

The charity choir sang as the crowds departed, heading down the Mardyke and across the Shakey Bridge and down Sunday’s Well, and sang as they returned too.

“We sang ‘Lean On Me’ as they left, and we were singing ‘Stand By Me’ as they came back,” Ms Twomey said.

“We were singing as the first people returned and the dawn broke then, and with each song we sang, the light got brighter.” 

Former lord mayor of Cork Mick Finn, who worked as steward at the UCC event, said it was probably the best morning they had ever had, thanking Majella Cremin and her committee for organising the morning.

“There was a great atmosphere, and it was a real Darkness Into Light moment when the sun came up, it was just spectacular,” he said.

“We had close to 4,000 people walking or running the event, and there was loads of people out with children and with dogs, and hopefully it will help to raise the funds that Pieta needs to keep its lifesaving work going free of charge.” 

In Ballyvollane, more than 300 people turned out for the second year in a row, and according to some volunteers next year is already being planned.

Labour Party councillor John Maher said it had been a great success, and that was all down to the sponsors and the volunteers who turned out to steward the route and to take part.

“It was a beautiful morning and there was a lot of money fundraised, we’re still counting it, and all in all, we’re delighted,” he said.

“It was a really great morning, and it was such a privilege to talk to so many people who said they had come alone and left feeling part of something, I think that really reinforces the magic of Darkness Into Light.”

In Ballincollig, known locally as The Village, there was also a musical accompaniment to Darkness Into Light, provided by Ballincollig Comhaltas, which this year celebrates its 50th birthday.

Catríona Casey, one of the organisers of the Ballincollig event, said approximately 1,400 people had turned out, with many registering ion the morning.

“It was so lovely, there were fabulous displays all along the route, it was a hopeful, positive event, and it was lovely afterwards as we gathered for refreshments and a chat,” Ms Casey said.

“I had said at the opening of the event that it takes a village, and my God what a village we have.” 

At Fountainstown beach, dozens of hardy souls braved the pre-dawn water for a Darkness Into Light swim, while over at Crosshaven crowds welcomed the first light, in scenes which were replicated all across Cork city and county. 

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 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.