‘Overwhelming’ support for Darkness walk

PEOPLE from Cork, Tipperary and Limerick travelled to Ennis for the third annual suicide awareness walk on Saturday, despite the fact they could have attended similar events much closer to them.

 

Up to 55 pupils and six adults from St Nessan’s College in Limerick participated in the Darkness into Light Ennis event, even though there was a similar ceremony closer to them in Thomond Park.

Ennis Darkness into Light organiser Tom McEvoy explained people affected by suicide from other counties decided to come to the Clare capital after hearing about the fantastic atmosphere at previous events in the picturesque setting of a forest.

With an estimated 2,200 flocking to Lees Road before 4am, Mr Evoy said he was “overwhelmed” by the huge support from sponsors, volunteers and the public. This compared to about 550 for the inaugural event and 1,100 last year.

“Pieta House got a huge level of support from the four corners of the county and neighbouring counties. The overall attendance was huge when compared to other centres of comparable size and finished in the top 10 in the country.

“The level of commitment and support from Clare people is overwhelming. The phenomenal response we got illustrates the huge goodwill out there for Pieta House,” he said.

Even though the weather wasn’t great initially, he recalled most participants proudly displayed their yellow t-shirts to show their support and appreciation for the event. He also expressed his sorrow at the death of Tralee teenager Donal Walsh from cancer last weekend.

“Donal Walsh was a great supporter of Pieta House. He was a truly inspirational figure for young people and delivered the powerful message of the need for people of all ages with difficulties to reach out for help.

“Even when he only had a few days left, he still wanted to promote the message of hope to people who are struggling,” he said.

Lees Road was transformed into a reflective wonderland with the theme of ‘Hope’ reflected in one big bright banner and in nightlights and candles around the course.

People of all ages from young children to the elderly appreciated the solidarity and solace provided to those bereaved by suicide.

The runners took off at a ­tremendous pace, the first ­coming home in slightly over 17 minutes. A young man who was wheelchair-bound also raced the course, to the amazement of stewards and participants. Despite being advised to go to the rear of the group for safety reasons, he was determined to be at the front and completed the course in memory of his friend who died by suicide.