‘You are not alone’

Nearly two thousand walkers at DIL Cavan

Eighteen hundred people gathered for this year’s Darkness Into Light in Cavan for the annual sunrise walk to raise funds for Pieta.

In Cavan over the last 15 years, there has been €350,000 raised for Pieta, the suicide support and prevention charity. The service has an Outreach Centre for Pieta based in the Tulsa building on the Cootehill Road, where there are child friendly rooms and a sensory room for counselling children; while there is another Outreach Centre in Virginia. The service works with children as young as seven years.

Just before 4am on Saturday morning (May 10) crowds started making their way towards Cavan Institute, still in complete darkness, their yellow t-shirts pulled on over heavy coats.

The coolness of the early hour didn’t stop those in the locality coming out for the walk. Some called into the beautifully decorated memory tent to sign a loved one’s name or write a message for the memory tree, or to put a message on the banner of hope.

This year, a video was played featuring images and names of loved ones who have been lost to suicide; people of all ages and genders, some of whom were lost just days before the walk took place.

“That broke my heart to make that video, and it broke our hearts to make 120 lanterns with your loved ones’ names,” said Fiona Corby speaking from the stage. The lanterns were made by the committee and placed along the route to light the way for walkers. Like many others in the crowd, the organiser of DIL Cavan was filled with emotion.

“If you are in a dark place, don’t choose suicide.

“Get the love and the support that you need to stay here with us, because you deserve to stay here with us.”

The mother of three welcomed everybody to the walk and thanked her fellow committee members for their help organising the walk, work for which began in September.

“The small committee that we have, they’re an absolute powerhouse and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

Meanwhile, Fiona also had abundant praise for those who come out to decorate the route, people who had not slept a wink on Friday night in preparation for the walk. The stewards, County Cavan Civil Defence and An Garda Síochána were also thanked for their help in keeping everybody safe on the night.

“Thank you each and every one of you for being here this morning, your presence here means more than you realise.

“By being here today you are doing something powerful, you’re not just showing up for this moment, you’re standing up for hope, compassion and for change,” she reminded.

“Your generosity helps fund Pieta’s lifesaving services,” she shared.

In 2024, Pieta delivered 3,240 free therapy sessions and supported 399 people affected by suicide and self harm across counties Cavan and Monaghan.

The service also provided more than 771 hours of community and home support to people bereaved by suicide.

“You make all of this possible,” she told those gathered.

“Today as we walk together, we are doing something extraordinary. You are putting your arms around those of us who have lost a loved one to suicide.

“You are giving us a space to remember them, to reflect, to grieve and to hope. You are helping those who are struggling today to hold onto the belief that there is a way through. You are breaking the silence and the stigma attached to suicide.”

Fiona added that they are “showing that it is okay to talk, to ask for help, to say that I am not okay”.

“Our community has been affected hugely by suicide. If you are struggling, I beg you of you please reach out. Allow a loved one, a teammate, a work colleague, a stranger, allow them the opportunity to help you.

“Pick up the phone, make that call because we all need you here.

“Always remembers that you are loved,” she emoted.

“Whether you are here with family, colleagues or whether you arrived on your own this morning, please know that you are not alone. The entire DIL community is walking with you every step of the way.

“You are the light that ignites hope in so many hearts,” she continued.

With that, runners took off with walkers behind. As the crowd made their way around the route messages of hope, lanterns and candles led the way. The first streaks of dawn crossed the night sky, while the Virginia Gospel Choir on Cavan’s Market Square sang to encourage the walkers along. Passing the Cathedral, the message of hope shone brightly; while Con Smith Park received an amazing touch of light from the volunteers. The walk finished with tea, coffee and a chat among the walkers, organisers and volunteers at Cavan Institute.

Speaking to the Celt afterwards, a “thrilled” Fiona thanked everybody who helped make the walk happen.

“There are so many wonderful people and companies who help us. We are forever grateful for their love and support. And in turn, we support them whenever we can.

“Darkness Into Light Cavan is a family. It is much more than a walk, it is a powerful movement in supporting those bereaved by suicide and self harm.”