Large attendance for night-light walk

FOR a moment it seemed as if time stood still before the breaking of the dawn in Lees Road last Saturday morning.
United in grief, over 550 people stood still at the Ennis Sports and Leisure Park to remember loved ones who died by suicide.
The Darkness into Light walk and run, organised by Pieta House, the Mid-West Centre for Prevention of Self Harm and Suicide, proved to be a very emotional event for all involved.
Over €11,000 was raised by the symbolic event, which was organised to give hope to those affected by suicide and self-harm. The huge response generated by the walk has prompted organisers to consider making it an annual event.
Some people spoke openly about the death of a family member, relative or neighbour by suicide and the difficulties in trying to face up to changed family circumstances. Others admitted they felt helpless, vulnerable and simply didn’t know what to do when bereaved by a loss.
The overwhelming message was one of hope and support for the attendance – a message that was created with a number of night-lights on picnic benches.
Event organiser Tom McEvoy was taken aback with the huge attendance, the biggest in the region and almost twice the size of larger counties like Cork and Galway.
Everyone was given a battery-operated night-light to remember their loved ones for the five kilometre trek through the forest, which started at 4.30am.
In a short address before proceedings got underway, Mr McEvoy said there were several reasons why people had got up in the early hours to attend the event, including the loss of a family member, relative, neighbour, friend or acquaintance to suicide.
Psychotherapist Noleen Devlin addressed the crowd on behalf of Pieta House, while a blessing and prayer was delivered by Fr Tom Hogan, Ennis administrator.
The attendance included Deputy Pat Breen, who pledged to raise the issue in the Dáil. A poem written by the late Adrian McEvoy, who died by suicide in 2007, was also read by his brother Tom before the start of the event.
“A candle flickers in a bright room, doesn’t have an effect but turn off the lights, and wait for your mind to work. Melancholy thoughts, auld haunts, things that could have been bought, words that should have been spoke, demons never to be awoke. Until now, like a candles burn, don’t wait until the lights are off, to speak what’s of.”
Mr McEvoy told the attendance they found this poem along with many others shortly after Adrian died.
“Another family member found it very difficult to deal with Adrian’s death. He too found himself in a very dark place. Through observation by friends and family, help was sought.
“We were lucky to find out about Pieta House. Through the good work of Pieta House, he has made a remarkable recovery. This is the good story,” he said.
He recalled it was an incredible sight watching 550 people walking with night-lights in a procession while personal messages written on a hope banner proved to be very powerful for those bereaved.