A sea of yellow t-shirts as hundreds of people walk through Carlow town in this year’s Darkness into light event

The walk started and finished in St Laurence O’Toole’s AC

By Elizabeth Lee

THIS year’s Darkness into Light, a five-kilometre walk that took place in the early hours of Saturday morning in Carlow town, was the best one yet.

More than 1,200 started out on the walk at 4.15am, when it was still dark, and by the time they completed a looped route through the town, dawn had broken. The walk is an annual fundraiser for Pieta House, a charity that aims to prevent suicide and self-harm and to promote awareness about positive mental health.

“It went brilliantly! The weather was the best we’ve had in ten years … it was a beautiful morning. It was great to have so many people taking part,” said Dolores O’Neill, chairperson of the local committee.

The walk began at St Laurence O’Toole’s Athletic Club and passed Carlow Fire Station, where firemen had the engine lights flashing in encouragement. The route also took in St Dympna’s Hospital and over the bridge to Carlow Town Park, where there was a tree of hope, before returning back towards town.

Dave Cowman from The Lazy River Café provided refreshments, while there was also a welcoming cup of tea back in St Laurence O’Toole’s. People had a chance there to write remembrances of loved ones on a banner of hope in the clubhouse and to meet one another.

“The atmosphere is just wonderful. People take their time walking around the route and they like to stay and chat afterwards. You could come here on your own and leave knowing ten new people,” said Dolores.