Registrations for Darkness Into Light plunge by 40%
Carlow Rose Katie Ryan, who will be grand marshal for this year's Darkness into Light walk in Carlow
PIETA, the suicide-prevention charity behind the annual Darkness Into Light sunrise walk, has warned that sign-ups for this year’s event have fallen almost 40% compared with the same point in 2024. The mass-participation fundraiser, supported by Electric Ireland, takes place at 4.15am on Saturday 10 May in more than 200 locations worldwide.
“Darkness Into Light is more than a fundraiser; it is a movement that saves lives,” said Pieta chief executive Stephanie Manahan. “You know the power of taking that first step and signing up to walk with your community. We need you again. Sign up. Show up. Save lives.”
Last year, an estimated 100,000 people turned out across Ireland, including 10,000 in Dublin’s Phoenix Park alone. The event has historically attracted upwards of 150,000 participants worldwide.
Pieta says the sharp decline in registrations comes despite unabated demand for its services: in 2024 the charity delivered 12,890 hours of therapy and supported 1,777 people in Leinster. Countrywide, money raised by Darkness Into Light funded 100,000 helpline calls and texts, 51,489 counselling hours and 6,919 unique therapy journeys last year.
Without fresh fundraising, it warns, its free 24-hour helpline and counselling services could be curtailed.
According to the latest CSO figures, around 500 people die by suicide in Ireland each year. That figure does not include the many more who attempt self-harm or experience suicidal ideation.
“And that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” said Ms Manahan. “Behind every number is a grieving family, friends, a community in pain.”
Participants walk 5km from darkness into dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope. Registration costs €22 for adults and €5 for teens – free for under 13s – with proceeds funding crisis counselling and bereavement services.
To participate, choose your local walk location; Carlow’s official location starting point, as listed on the Pieta website, is St Mary's Academy CBS. This year’s grand marshal will be the Carlow Rose Katie Ryan.
Participants can also set an optional fundraising goal and share their page across social media.
An optional event t-shirt costs €8 and fundraisers who collect over €250 will earn a complimentary beanie, while those who top €500 will receive a reflective hoodie in recognition of their efforts.
Organisers are also urging past participants to rally friends, schools and sports clubs. Corporate and community teams can register in bulk, and those abroad can stage their own sunrise walks.
With registrations lagging and the need for support rising, Pieta is urging past walkers and first-timers alike to lace up before sunrise on 10 May and help turn darkness into light for those who need it most.
● Knockbeg College will host its annual service of remembrance on Saturday 10 May at 4.15am in the school grounds. The school will have a short service to remember all deceased members of the Knockbeg community – past pupils, former staff, parents or neighbours.
Following this, they will partake in a 5km walk around the college grounds in support of Pieta House and the Darkness into Light initiative.
This is a holistic and reverent event and the school would like to extend an open invitation to anyone who would like to be a part of the experience. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the school canteen. All are welcome to attend.
