Mayo leads the walk from Darkness into Light

Kiltimagh put its best foot forward in the early hours of Saturday morning, May 11 when it was confirmed as Darkness Into Light’s biggest ‘new venue’ anywhere in the West of Ireland.

More than 500 people registered to take part in the first such event to be held in the East Mayo team and based on those numbers, it was also the biggest Darkness Into Light in all of Co Mayo.

The event took place as part of Pieta’s annual fundraiser to raise money for lifesaving suicide and self-harm prevention and is supported by Electric Ireland.

Just after 4am, and against the backdrop of a crisp clear morning, the participants gathered to begin the 4.7K loop walk which started and ended at the Bocce Courts Kiltimagh. Well renowned local musician Ollie Burke performed a mix of tunes to an enthusiastic crowd who were already buzzed with excitement for this auspicious occasion. Chairperson of the Darkness Into Light Kiltimagh Committee, Joe Corry gave a brief talk before the walk commenced at 4.15am. 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 joyful singing of the award-winning Cill Aodain Choral society with musical director Ms. Finola Higgins performed a repertoire of songs at the Sculpture Park on the way back which added magnificently to the occasion. Their sweet dulcet voices provided a perfect accompaniment to the beautiful cacophony of bird song that resonated along the route in the form of the ‘Dawn Chorus.’ An added feature of the Darkness into Light Kiltimagh Inaugural 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 the loved ones they lost through suicide.

Participants were welcomed back to the Bocce Courts with live music from Ollie Burke and a tasty array of refreshments which were sponsored by a host of local businesses.

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

“On behalf of myself and all the volunteers, stewards, and committee members, we are absolutely delighted with the response,” said Joe Corry. “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 inaugural walk such a huge success. A special thank you to all my colleagues on the committee,” added the chairman who said it would be remiss of him not to thank all those who donated privately to the event.

By participating in the Darkness into Light event, supporters have made a real and tangible difference, as the €26 sign-up fee for Darkness Into Light can enable Pieta to answer two calls to their 24/7 helpline, providing immediate support and guidance to those in crisis.

Kiltimagh was one of 13 official walks in the county this year, including Achill, Ballina, Ballinrobe, Ballyglass, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, Claremorris, Erris, Inishturk, Lahardane, Straide and Westport.