East Mayo community gathers for Darkness Into Light launch

Darkness Into Light, Pieta’s annual fundraising event to raise money for lifesaving suicide and self-harm support, sponsored by Electric Ireland, is back at 4.15 a.m. on Saturday, May 9.

In collaboration with Swinford Darkness into Light (who are taking a break this year), Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh is delighted to bring back the walk to its community in 2026 for the second time.

To mark this auspicious occasion, the community held its official launch and registration evening in Ryan’s Bar, Kiltimagh.

Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh has already garnered massive support across the community with many more taking part to fundraise in their own way.

Darkness Into Light 2026 will bring communities together for the most important sunrise of the year, beginning in darkness and continuing through to dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope.

Whether you take part to remember a loved one, honour a personal journey, show solidarity, or make sure suicide and self-harm prevention services remain available in Ireland, every step you take and every euro you raise will help Pieta continue offering free, professional support to those at risk of suicide, self-harm, or affected by suicide - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Darkness into Light Kiltimagh walk begins at the Bocce Courts Kiltimagh at 4.15 a.m. on the morning of May 9.

The walk traverses the hinterlands of Cordarragh and Kilcon in Kiltimagh taking participants on just under a 5Km looped walk before finishing back at the Bocce Courts at dawn.

The Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh Committee Chairperson is Joe Corry who together with a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers has spearheaded an extremely successful campaign to date.

The launch was attended by VIP guests, Sergeant Regina Carley, Dr. Diarmuid Murray GP, and Mr. and Mrs. Redmond and Geraldine Murphy who shared their poignant story about their beloved son Red Óg Murphy who died by suicide.

Speaking at the Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh launch, Chairperson Joe Corry said: “Suicide prevention and mental health support services is something which myself and all members of the committee are absolutely passionate about.

"That is why we are delighted once again to take the reins this year to organise Kiltimagh’s second Darkness Into Light Walk, alternating with Swinford Darkness Into Light who are taking a break for this year.

"Along with the rest of the team we are absolutely delighted to work with Pieta and Electric Ireland to support this year’s campaign and to celebrate the most important sunrise of the year right here in our hometown of Kiltimagh.

“Whether you’ve been directly impacted by suicide or self-harm, or simply want to show your support, we are asking everyone in Kiltimagh and the surrounding communities to register to come out and walk with us this year.

"Together, we can help bring hope to people who need it and work to prevent suicide and self-harm in our community.

“Darkness Into Light is more than a fundraiser - it’s a powerful statement of hope, solidarity, and community support. We are proud to play our part."

By participating in the Darkness into Light event, supporters can make a real and tangible difference.

Over 100,000 calls and texts are answered annually, and more than 6,000 people are supported through Pieta’s free therapy services each year.

Sergeant Regina Carley emphasised: “In my professional capacity, I have witnessed the devastating loss and grief that suicide causes families, friends and the wider community.

"That is why I am honoured to be here this evening to offer my support to the Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh Initiative where monies raised from this campaign will help continue to provide vital funds for Pieta’s Suicide Prevention Services.

"I am also personally encouraged to see so many here this evening in support of the Darkness into Light Kiltimagh campaign where the importance of mental health and wellbeing is endorsed and shared by all cohorts across our community.”

Darkness Into Light is more than a fundraiser - it’s a powerful statement of hope, solidarity, and community support.

For more information, to register, or to find out how you can get involved, visit https://www.darknessintolight.ie and don’t forget to select Mayo/Kiltimagh or follow on www.facebook.com/darknessintolightkiltimagh and www.instagram.com/dilkiltimagh.