Darkness Into Light shone a beacon of hope
Darkness Into Light walkers pass Carlow train station as dawn breaks Photos: Seamus White/Whiter Photography
MORE THAN 1,000 people got out of bed early and walked from darkness into a breaking dawn on a recent Saturday morning in Carlow town for the annual Darkness Into Light walk.
The worldwide event raises money for the charity Pieta House, which raises awareness of suicide and suicide prevention. The event this year in Carlow attracted 1,026 participants, who set off from St Mary’s Academy CBS, walked through Carlow town and through the town park in Graiguecullen before returning to the starting point.
Along the way, landmarks such as Deighton Hall and the town hall were lit up, while at St Dympna’s Hospital and the fire station, ambulances and fire brigades brightened up the early morning. It’s a poignant event for those taking part, as many of them have lost loved ones to suicide, and it’s particularly emotional when they reach Carlow Town Park. There, the paths are lined with candles, there’s a bright-yellow sign that spells out the word ‘hope’ and there’s also a memory tree with the names of those who have died.
“We had over 1,000 people taking part so it was fantastic to see so many people out at that time of the morning. CBS was the starting point this year and they were brilliant to us. We also had around 60 stewards, who helped along the route, thanks to Carlow Volunteer Centre, so we are very grateful to them all,” said Ian Hannon, chairperson of the Carlow Darkness Into Light Committee.
“It was such a gorgeous morning and we had a beautiful sunrise. I found it incredibly emotional, especially in the park because it was still dark. The candles lit up the paths, and with the hope sign, people stopped to reflect there, so it’s very emotional for them,” said Ian.
The funds raised will go to Pieta House, with the nearest facility for the people of Co Carlow in Waterford city.
Ian and the committee would like to thank everyone who took part in the walk, all the volunteers and all the agencies that lit up the way, providing a beacon of hope to those who might need it.
