An invitation to join the most important sunrise of the year

DIL Supporting communities across Co Cavan

Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta & supported by Electric Ireland, is taking place on Saturday, May 6, in five locations around Cavan and Monaghan.

More than 100,000 people will come together across 200 locations for the most important sunrise of the year.

Each year the walk provides an opportunity for communities to come together and to bring hope to people who have been impacted by suicide. Launched by Kevin McGahern, Rory O’Connor and Jarlath Burns, the local committees, and proudly supported by Electric Ireland, organisers are welcoming everyone to join the event and raise vital funds for Pieta’s lifesaving services.

Suicide continues to be a real problem in Ireland and was the leading cause of death in young men aged under 25 in the country in 2019.

Darkness Into Light helps raise essential funds and enables Pieta to continue providing free of charge suicide prevention, intervention and bereavement support to people of all ages across Ireland.

In Ulster in 2022 alone, Pieta delivered over 2,200 hours of free, one-to-one therapy, and helped over 280 clients.

The funds raised from this year’s Darkness Into Light will help communities within Cavan and Monaghan, with the funding going directly to Pieta’s services, including Cavan’s own centre on Cootehill Road in Drumalee.

Speaking at the launch, Fiona Corby, chairperson on Cavan Darkness Into Light Committee said: “Supporting Darkness Into Light helps to heal my broken heart after our brother James’ death to suicide.

"I love that this event brings a sense of compassion, understanding, and companionship to those who have lost a loved one to suicide; a feeling of Hope to those who are struggling, hope for a better tomorrow. I love the community spirit and meeting new people along the wonderful journey that is Darkness Into Light.”

Sean McKenna, Monaghan Darkness Into Light Chairperson added: “Darkness Into Light has raised awareness of suicide and self-harm. People no longer hide away from discussing the matter.

"The morning of the walk shows so many emotions – Solace, Comfort, Sympathy, Kindness, Support, Love, Remembrance and Hope.

"Being part of the Darkness Into Light Committee is a humbling experience as every year people thank us for organising the walk and ensuring that their loved ones are not forgotten about and that the stigma attached to suicide no longer exists.”

Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta commented: “Over 80% of Pieta’s annual funds are raised every year from public donations and by people taking part and supporting events like Darkness Into Light.

"By signing up and taking part, every single person helps to support us continue to provide the services like the 24/7 crisis helpline which receives up to 2,000 calls and texts each week."

Everyone is invited to sign up at www.darknessintolight.ie to make a valuable contribution.

"Electric Ireland have worked in partnership with us for the last ten years to build Darkness into Light and we are delighted that they have agreed to continue their sponsorship for another three years up until 2025," continued Ms Manahan.

Pat Fenlon, executive director of Electric Ireland commented: “Electric Ireland has sponsored Darkness into Light since 2013.

"Each year we work with Pieta to create marketing and fundraising campaigns to promote awareness of this unique event and encourage as many people as possible to participate and donate much needed funds.

"I am delighted to announce that we have renewed our sponsorship for another three years up to and including 2025. Darkness into Light is very important to our staff, customers and the communities in which we operate."

Whether it’s taking part at an event in your community, with family, friends and colleagues or taking on a challenge by walking, running, jogging, or swimming and fundraising for Pieta, there are endless ways to take part in the most important sunrise of the year. Sign up and take part at darknessintolight.ie

WALKS AROUND THE COUNTY

Laragh

WHEN: Saturday, May 6. Meeting at 4:15am

WHERE:Laragh Community Park at the carpark beside the school.

WHAT: Laragh United Healthy Club Committee will hold Darkness into Light. If you wish to register online with Darkness into Light please do. Voluntary donation on the morning. Why not come along and have a walk and a chat?

Ballinamore

WHEN: May 6

WHERE:Ballinamore Community School

WHAT: We invite all in surrounding communities to join us to bring hope to those feeling despair and to walk from darkness into light.

WHEN: May 6, at 4:15am

WHERE:Swanlinbar GAA

WHAT: One of three centres in Cavan hosting Darkness into Light. This is our first time hosting this event and we would like all people in the area to come and walk and raise funds for this cause. We will have a registration day very shortly.

Belturbet

WHEN: May 6, at 4:15am

WHERE: EH Coaching Studio

WHAT: Join us for our Darkness Into Light walk and help raise vital funds and awareness for Pieta. The 5km walk around Belturbet.

Everyone welcome, please spread the word.

What’s app us on 083-0149615. Limited t- shirts available so please reuse from last year where possible. Log on to: www.darknessintolight.ie/s/87738/95317

Cootehill

WHEN: May 6

WHERE:Cootehill

WHAT: Cootehill Youth Club in conjunction with Cootehill Harps will host Darkness into Light in Cootehill.

We hope that as many of our community as possible will come out and join the young people of our town and support this very worthy cause that is, unfortunately, close to the hearts of many. It is also an opportunity to show that as a community we care, we are here and we will always listen.

Please sign up under Cavan Town but you can then take part in the walk in Cootehill.

GOWNA

WHEN: Saturday May 6 @4:45am

WHERE: Community Centre

WHAT: Participants meet at the Community centre at 4.45am and the walk will begin at 5am sharp.

Voluntary donations will be accepted in the morning.

Please support this worthy cause to raise funds and awareness for Pieta.

Ballyhaise

WHEN: May 6, at 4:30am

WHERE:Ballyhaise GAA

WHAT: Ballyhaise GAA will host a Pieta Darkness into Light Walk/Run Event. Please wear club colours and donations will be presented to Pieta from Ballyhaise GAA.

Bailieborough

WHEN: May 6, starting at 4:45am

WHERE: Bailieborough Community School

WHAT:.This year’s route is slightly different to previous years in that our start/finish point is the community school on Virginia Road.You can still register on-line at: www.darknessintolight.ie/sign-up

Please support.