DARKNESS INTO LIGHT
1,600 early risers at event in Enniscorthy
AS the sun came up on Enniscorthy, it brought with it a wonderful atmosphere of hope as over 1,200 people took part in ‘Darkness Into Light’. Yellow t-shirts converged on the Rapparees/Starlights grounds at Bellefield from right across the Enniscorthy District and followed the route, with candles lighting both bridges in town in a poignant display.
The Enniscorthy event was one of several taking place right across the country in aid of Pieta House and organisers were over the moon with the attendance.
‘I’m reliably told we had between 1,200 and 1,300 people taking part,’ said Maria Nolan, one of those co-ordinating the event. ‘ This is an excellent result for our first year running the event at Rapparees/Starlights and considering there were similar events in Wexford, Gorey and New Ross.’
While the atmosphere was amazing as the sun came up on the walkers, joggers and runners, some people were disappointed not to receive their Darkness Into Light t-shirt in time. ‘We would like to thank all who turned up to walk for suicide and take this opportunity to apologise to those who did not receive their tee-shirts in time,’ Maria said. ‘I am at pains to point out that this had nothing to do with Rapparees/ Starlights GAA or our Organising Committee, who did Trojan work for the event. This year, for whatever reason, Pieta House decided to change the format with people only allowed to register online and receive their tee-shirts in the post. We will certainly be speaking to and making our reservations on the new system known to them.’
The committee also thanked the council, the gardaí, Slaney Search & Rescue, The Order of Malta, The Red Cross, Enniscorthy Cycling Club, the Rapps/ Starlights Social Steppers, the stewards, sponsors and everyone who made it such a success.