East Mayo community out in force for Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh walk
KILTIMAGH saw 350 people gather at 4.15 a.m. this morning to participate in the 2026 Kiltimagh Darkness Into Light walk. The event took place as part of Pieta’s annual fundraiser to raise money for lifesaving suicide and self-harm prevention and was supported by Electric Ireland.
Against the backdrop of a crisp clear morning, participants gathered for the 4.7k loop walk at the bocce courts where renowned local musician Ollie Burke performed a mix of tunes to an enthusiastic crowd who were already buzzed with excitement for this very special and highly poignant occasion.
Chairperson of the Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh committee, Joe Corry gave a brief talk before the walk commenced at 4.15 a.m. Over 35 volunteer stewards were positioned at key strategic locations along the route helping to illuminate the bends and turns while providing guidance to all participants as they eagerly made their way down Chapel Street and all around the hinterlands of Cordarragh and Kilcon.
The award-winning Cill Aodain Choral Society, with musical director Finola Higgins, performed a repertoire of songs at the Sculpture Park on the way back. Their angelic voices and harmonious singing added magnificently to the occasion. Their sweet dulcet tones provided a perfect accompaniment to the beautiful cacophony of bird song that resonated along the route in the form of the ‘Dawn Chorus’.
A feature highlight of the Darkness into Light Kiltimagh walk was the 'Silent Remembrance Stretch’. At a distance of just over 0.5k, this part of the route was designated as a special place of remembrance, where all participants could walk in silence and pay an additional mark of respect to their loved ones who died by suicide.
The ambience of the walk and the community spirit and solidarity of all those involved is to be commended. The TY students at St. Louis’s Community School, together with their teacher Ms. Horan and Tom Meskell, WOWed participants with a stunning display of 3D ‘HOPE’ lettering using illuminated lanterns. In equal measure, Kiltimagh Scouts provided a magnificent candlelight display around the Sculpture Park including a ‘ Pathway of Hope’ lettering. This accentuated the beautiful sunrise symbolising the journey of hope, from Darkness into Light.
Participants were welcomed back to the bocce courts with live music from musician Ollie Burke and a tasty array of refreshments sponsored by a host of local businesses.
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Start of the Darkness Into Light walk at the bocce courts.Image 2 of 8
Silent Remembrance Stretch - A part of the route just under 0.5k designed to give participants a moment to reflect on their loved ones who have died by suicide.Image 3 of 8
Participants walking along the route through the Sculpture Park.Image 4 of 8
Kiltimagh Scouts supported the walk.Image 5 of 8
Ambulance Civil Defence members. From left: Eilish Power, Mark Shepherd and John Conlon.Image 6 of 8
Mayo Fire & Rescue members, Kiltimagh.Image 7 of 8
Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh participants walking the route along Chapel Street.Image 8 of 8
3D HOPE lettering, created by the TY students at St. Louis Community School.Committee chairperson Joe Corry, together with a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers, spearheaded an extremely successful campaign.
Speaking at the walk, Joe said: “On behalf of myself and all the volunteers, stewards, and committee members, we are absolutely delighted with the response to our Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh walk, as reflected in our registrations and attendance of over 350 people. This walk is a credit to all involved, underscoring the strength and vibrancy of the community spirit here in Kiltimagh.
“A big thank you to all who took part to help make our walk such a huge success. To our musician Ollie Burke, the Cill Aodain Choral Society, the Men’s Shed who helped with our signage, to all our volunteers and stewards, your contribution was immense. Thank you to all our sponsors who donated so generously so we could host our refreshment gathering here after the event. A special thank you to all my colleagues on the committee - you were all ‘top class’. Finally a special thank you to all of you, the participants, who came out in such unprecedented numbers to participate in our walk here this morning.”
Continuing with his welcome speech, Joe added: “It would be remiss of me if I didn’t thank all those young people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make our event so special. To our TY students at St. Louis Community School here in Kiltimagh and to our Kiltimagh Scouts and Foróige groups, whose immense contributions in lighting up our route added so much to this special occasion. You all have made such a difference. Thank you!”
By participating in the Darkness into Light event supporters have made a real and tangible difference, enabling Pieta to respond to over 100,000 calls and texts annually via their 24/7 helpline which provides immediate support and guidance to those in crisis.