As the crowd of approximately 700+ people gathered in the dark of night outside the St. Joseph’s Hall, Boyle on the morning of May 6th; It was clear that once again this year’s Darkness into Light walk in aid of Pieta House was going to be something special.
For the 5th year, Boyle has proven itself remarkable for coming together in community and compassion.
The 5km walk went seamlessly thanks to a very dedicated group of local volunteers, organisations and sponsors, all helping Pieta House to raise much needed funds to continue their work of combating suicide, self-harm and providing counselling and bereavement support to those affected by suicide.
Since Pieta House’s inception in Boyle, the local community has raised €64,238 which allows the organisation to keep its doors open and staffed with professional therapists and supports.
Setting out at 4.15am from the Crescent, the walk followed a 5km looped route. With each participant wearing a brightly coloured event t-shirt and carrying a small candle, they walked from the dark of night into the light of the sunrise – sending a poignant and symbolic message to all, that no matter how dark our days can feel, that the sun will always rise again.
The behind the scenes efforts of the Darkness into Light Committee make this very special event possible year after year, with Melissa Doohan, Jacci Conlon, Nance Hayden, Carmel Goldrick and Margaret Hayden on the 2023 Boyle committee.
An enormous amount of gratitude is more than deserved for the Marshals – who played a pivotal role in all aspects of this much-loved event. Without the leadership and support of Nance, none of this could have happened.
Every year Our local GPs (Dr Joe Hussey) Loftus Medical Centre and Boyle Gardaí selflessly give of themselves to provide their services, and for that Pieta House and the Darkness into Light Committee are truly grateful.
What better way to start our morning than with the beautiful sound of singing from the students of Music Generation Roscommon They took on the role for the first time and they did an amazing job both before & after the walk. Thank you. Everyone spoke of their delighted to hear the music & song at the First arch of Rockingham too this year; Thank you to Marc Egan, Joe Conroy & Keith Dwyer.
The event could not take place without the support of all of the local businesses/sponsors, who very kindly donate excellent refreshments for the participants. A very special thank you to all of the local sponsors.
To all the people that baked and donated food, Your generosity is hugely appreciated.
A cheque presentation took place on FRiday in Lough Key Forest Park visitor centre where committee members from Boyle Darkness into Light presented Irma Joyce from Pieta House with a whopping €11, 619.
Photograph shows Melissa Doohan, Carmel Goldrick, Irma Joyce (Pieta House, Tuam) Margaret Hayden, Nance Hayden. Missing Jacci Conlon.
