Tipperary gears up for Darkness into Light sunrise walk in aid of Pieta House

Darkness into Light Walks are planned for Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Killaloe-Ballina, Nenagh, Roscrea and Thurles, with all walks stepping off at 4.15am.

Roscrea’s walk starts from the Roscrea Abbey Community Centre, Abbey Hall, Abbey Street, while Clonmel’s walk will start at the Clonmel Óg Hurling and Football Club.

Carrick-on-Suir

Carrick-on-Suir has announced that their route has changed slightly due to road words. “Please be sure to follow stewards advice and enjoy yourselves,” announced the committee. A last minute appeal has gone out for volunteers. “Every hand makes a difference, so let’s come together and be a beacon of hope in our community.” Call or message 087 7534040 for more information. The Carrick-on-Suir walk will commence at the CBS Primary School.

Tipperary Town

This year, the Tipperary Town committee said they are “extremely honoured” to have Athlete and Aherlow LGFA club member Stuart Moloney, to officially open their walk on Saturday morning at 4.15am. "We are extremely grateful for Stuart to be joining us this year. We look forward to seeing you all Saturday morning. One day to go. Can’t believe how fast it has come around.”

Walkers who haven’t registered can still do so this Friday and tomorrow morning. “Don’t worry we will be around in Arravale Rovers GAA club later on Friday evening getting the hall ready for tomorrow morning, where you can pop in and have a chat and register with us. “It’s cash only or donate/register via QR code. You can still of course come tomorrow morning and sign up if you can’t make it later,” added the committee.

Tipperary town’s Darkness Into Light two main organisers announced earlier that they are committed to remaining on in the role. Roisin Kiely and Denis Pollard had announced that this was going to be their final year running the event. However since making the announcement, a lot of people have reached out and this made the two-person committee of Roisín and Denis realise that the community needs this event to run more than ever.

“On that note we would ask that if anyone would like to come on board and join our committee for future events please make contact with us through our Facebook page,” they said. "As there are only two of us on the committee it does take up a lot of our time along with our other commitments. We feel that if we had more of a team that can commit we could keep the walk going. We will see you all on May 11.”

The walk in Tipperary town starts at 4.15am from the Arravale Rovers GAA Club, Sean Treacy Park, Railway Road.

Killaloe-Ballina

In Killaloe-Ballina, the Darkness into Light Walk will start and finish at Ballina GAA field. Organisers said they are honoured that their Darkness Into Light Killaloe Ballina Ambassador this year is Tipperary Rose Tara Brady.

“We are so proud of Tara, who is from Ballina and will be representing Tipperary in the Rose of Tralee International Festival. We are so grateful to her for supporting our local walk this year, as she and all the Brady/Hogan families do every year, and Tara and the DILKB committee wish all our Tipperary Centres the very best for their walks this year,” said a spokesperson.

“It’s an incredibly special gathering, collectively showing our support for those in our community and beyond who need it most,” added the committee.

Nenagh

Darkness into Light Nenagh has announced that The Reset band will be playing music at its Nenagh walk this year. “The lads have been incredible supporters of our cause over the past few years, and we can't wait to have them join us for this special event,” said a spokesperson.

“Join us as we walk through the darkness into the light, accompanied by amazing music and the warmth of community. Let's come together to support each other and raise awareness for mental health. See you there.”

Earlier in the year, Darkness into Light Nenagh thanked St Joseph’s CBS school for promoting the event. “Well done to Student Council members Adam Hough, Shay Óg Kennedy, John Grace, Conor Grace, Tom Hanrahan and Kevin Liston for getting our promotion campaign for Darkness Into Light 2024 underway in the school,” said a spokesperson for St Joseph’s.

“We are encouraging all members of the school community to get involved on Saturday May 11 and help raise funds for Pieta House. Pieta House provides free therapeutic counselling to those in distress and to families bereaved by suicide.”

McDonald’s Nenagh will be opening this Saturday May 11, at 5am for anyone participating in this year’s Darkness Into Light. Several staff are taking part and McDonald’s would like to give back to those taking part by giving out free tea, coffee or soft drink to anyone in their Yellow T-Shirt, in store or drive thru, and also offer a place to catch up and spend time with family and friends after this amazing event, said a spokesperson.

The Nenagh walk starts from the Nenagh Choral Society, the Scout’s Hall, Ashe Road.

Thurles

This year the Thurles Darkness Into Light family welcomes Aidan Loughnane as its 2024 event Ambassador.

Aidan is a mental health advocate from Thurles, reaching over 170,000 followers on his Instagram platform just from sharing his struggles with grief, mental health and suicidal thoughts he has touched the lives of many.

About three years ago Aidan decided to go for a run and from running he found an outlet. Through Instagram he began recording and sharing his thoughts with one of his videos going viral and reaching over eight million people.

“Aidan has touched the lives of many by sharing his journey and created a safe space for those who seek refuge from the darkest parts of their minds,” said a spokesperson. Thurles’ walk commences from the Dome, Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Castlemeadows. Registration for all of the above walks is available at www.darknessintolight.ie/event/tipperary

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