Thousands gather across Laois for three Darkness Into Light walks

Huge crowds gathered before dawn last Saturday, May 11 in three Laois towns for uplifting Darkness Into Light events.

The Irish Aurora Borealis gave way to a stunning dawn as thousands of walkers and runners in yellow t-shirts flooded the roads in Durrow, Portlaoise and Portarlington for the fundraiser in aid of Pieta House’s free suicide prevention services.

In Durrow, 600 walkers and runners, aged as young as six years old, gathered at the Scarecrow Festival town's Lions Club soccer pitch.

The Drops of Green trad band, added a drop of magic, playing both before and during the lovely 5km route via Durrow Woods.
Ruth Campion is on the Durrow committee.

Michelle Doheny, Saralee Murphy, Anna Brophy and Marie Brophy at Durrow Darkness Into Light.

"It went great, we were so lucky, the weather helped. We had over 600 participants, amazing for our second year. With big attendances in Portlaoise and Portarlington it's great for Laois overall.

"Drops of Green were amazing and gave us great support, engaging the crowds. They performed with local kids as young as 7 and 11. We had a great amount of young people involved.

"A young boy and his dad ran it together, and were the first back. Our youngest walker, Anna Brophy, was aged just six. It makes mental health normal for children, they call it a 'kindness walk'.

"We welcomed people from not just here, but Rathdowney, Ballyragget, Mountmellick and even Carlow. A huge thanks to all the volunteers and participants. Everyone just jumped on board. People even turned up with home baking, it's very humbling," Ruth said.

Portlaoise held its second walk, and the first officially registered event, again based from Portlaoise Prison campus, organised by their Amber Flag mental health staff team.

A happy group at the Portlaoise Darkness Into Light walk.

Some 1,400 participants including staff and people from all around Laois took part in the walk along a candlit Borris Road, with a timber Memory Tree sculpture created by the prison carpentry tutor, and a fun warm-up given by the Amber team.

“A massive thank you to all that turned out for the first official Darkness Into Light in Portlaoise. Your registration fees and donations will help many families.

“Thank you to the volunteers and especially all the youth that helped out . It could not happen without you,” the organisers said.

Portarlington held their event for the third year, with some 2,500 participants.

It was described by committee member Sam Kelly as “a massive success” thanking the following in particular.

“It was our first year to introduce Ambassadors- Dr Eddie Murphy, Alanna Fitzpatrick, Nicole Turner and Dara Ward who gave videos and inspirational quotes and raised awareness,” she said.

Ambassadors at the Portarlington Darkness Into Light event.

Dr Eddie gave a heartwarming speech, while local businesses donated tea and coffee and snacks.

“DJ Ray entertained everyone during the morning and Con Murphy was the official photographer. The route went past Corrig wood as dawn broke, a magical scenic route.

“TY Students from Colaiste Iosagain were very active in the lead up to the walk with organisation and inspirational signs.

“The memory tree will be planted in Coláiste Iosagáin on May 15 with the messages on biodegradable paper planted in the roots so the messages will live on through the tree.

“The local Fire Brigade led the walkers on the route and Portarlington GAA gave us full use of their facilities, which Local primary schools decorated with beautiful artwork.

The total raised at each Laois walk will be confirmed.