Darkness Into Light group makes 'difficult decision' to end its annual Carrick-on-Suir walk

Carrick-on-Suir’s Darkness Into Light Committee has announced it has made the “difficult decision” to end its annual 5km walks in aid of suicide and self-harm prevention charity Pieta.

The group has raised over €125,000 for Pieta since its first Darkness into Light walk in Carrick-on-Suir in 2016.

The committee announced its decision to call it a day on its annual sunrise walk held in May each year in a statement published by the group on its Facebook page last week.

The DIL Committee explained: “At this time of year, our annual planning for the walk would usually begin.

“We have had to make the difficult decision, as committee members for a variety of reasons, that last year’s Darkness into Light Walk 2025, will be our last one and we have advised Pieta of this decision late last year.”p

The committee’s members said it had been their “privilege and honour” to serve on the committee and to “plan and oversee the walk of solidarity” which is one of many Darkness Into Light walks organised in towns throughout Ireland on the same day in May every year. The walks are Pieta’s flagship annual fundraiser in aid of the people who need its suicide and self-harm prevention services and families bereaved by suicide.

The committee paid tribute to the people of Carrick-on-Suir for their support of the event over the past decade.

“On dry nights, wet nights and every kind of weather in between nights, through the Covid years, the people of Carrick have generously turned up, put their hands in their pockets and walked the walk, a bright yellow ribbon of humanity.

“Over the years in excess of €125,000 has been raised.

“We would like to thank everyone, who made this walk such a special event including each and every person, who ever participated in the walk, our legions of stewards and hall volunteers without whom no walk would have been possible.

“We thank our hosts, especially the Green School, local businesses and sponsors, with special mention to SuperValu who have supported us since day one.”

The DIL Committee also expressed gratitude to members of the Fire Service, Order of Malta, Red Cross and Civil Defence for their assistance.

“Thanks too to all the Transition Year students who helped over the years and the talented artists in local primary and secondary schools, who each year provided decorations for the hall.”

The committee also paid tribute to fellow volunteers involved in the cause over the years who have passed away.

“We especially would like to remember those who are no longer with us, who were also a part of DIL down through the years, in particular John Meagher, Ned Crowe and Gemma Halpin. May they rest in peace.”

The committee indicated it may organise another type of fundraiser in aid of Pieta this year.

“We may come together at some point in the coming months to do some fundraising for Pieta in a separate capacity but Darkness Into Light, Carrick will not go ahead this year.

“We hope in the absence of a 2026 Darkness into Light Walk in Carrick-on-Suir that you will support this event in a different location or donate to Pieta and we will share information on the closest walks to Carrick nearer the time.”

Anyone seeking the services of Pieta should contact 1800247247 or text: HELP 51444