In pictures: Cork's Darkness into Light the ‘biggest in years’

People across Cork took part in the annual Pieta fundraiser in the early hours of Saturday morning
In pictures: Cork's Darkness into Light the ‘biggest in years’

Mick Finn, Tim Finn, Catherine O'Brien and Paul Finn, part of the organising and stewarding teams for the 2024 DIL event starting and finishing at UCC.

CROWDS gathered at various locations across Cork in the early hours of Saturday to participate in the annual Darkness into Light events in aid of Pieta.

Darkness into Light has now become a global movement, dedicated to raising vital funds for Pieta’s life-saving services.

Pieta provides a range of services nationally to people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide.

All of the services are provided free of charge, and no referral is needed.

Douglas and Mary Black and Sparkles in Cobh after completing the Darkness into Light walk in aid of Pieta Picture: David Keane.
Douglas and Mary Black and Sparkles in Cobh after completing the Darkness into Light walk in aid of Pieta Picture: David Keane.

Across the city and county, Cork again showed its for Darkness into Light this year.

In the city, the Darkness into Light 5km walk, which started and finished at UCC, drew the largest crowd in years, according to UCC committee member Mick Finn.

“Thousands walked in Cork for Darkness into Light for Pieta at UCC, in what was one of the most stunning mornings ever for the event,” he told The Echo.

“People seemed to have enjoyed the event which definitely was the biggest in years.”

The Independent councillor and former Lord Mayor thanked all those who took part or who assisted in any way in running the event.

Alex O'Meara, Martha Kelly, Melanie Arias and Ciara Murphy, at the Darkness into Light walk in Cobh in aid of Pieta. Picture: David Keane.
Alex O'Meara, Martha Kelly, Melanie Arias and Ciara Murphy, at the Darkness into Light walk in Cobh in aid of Pieta. Picture: David Keane.

Meanwhile, a Darkness into Light event that had previously taken place in Ballyvolane resumed this year following a hiatus since the pandemic.

“Over 300 attended the Cork northside [event] at Glen Rovers Hurling Club after a five-year break,” said committee member John Maher.

“It was fantastic to see, and the atmosphere was superb. The committee are brilliant and we’ve learnt so much in the build-up to this event, and we are planning for 2025 already.

“It was lovely to see the crowds through Ballyvolane, Mayfield, the Glen, Blackpool and Dublin Hill, ing each other and ing loved ones. Thank you to all who ed the event,” Mr Maher, who is also a Labour Party councillor, added.

Amanda Benzaken and Morgan O'Callaghan who took part in the Darkness into Light swim in Fountainstown to raise funds for Pieta. Picture: David Keane.
Amanda Benzaken and Morgan O'Callaghan who took part in the Darkness into Light swim in Fountainstown to raise funds for Pieta. Picture: David Keane.

In total, 30 Darkness into Light events took place in Cork — including in Ballincollig, Blarney, Youghal, Cobh, and Fountainstown.

To avail of Pieta’s services, visit https://www.pieta.ie/ or call 0818 111 126.

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