CANDLES OF HOPE AND DARKNESS INTO LIGHT IN LISMORE
Following last year’s feedback and positive reaction it was decided to once again light up Lismore’s Millennium Park and town monument with 700 ‘Candles of Hope’. This was once again an opportunity for individuals and families to honour their loved ones in a special way as they strolled through the park, some chatting and reliving fond memories, others just in silence remembering their loved ones in their own special way.
It was indeed a unique experience for all, each flame that flickered representing light, love and hope. It was heartwarming to see so many young children attend and lighting a candle which they placed around the fountain in the park. On a bright, calm moonlit night the setting brought a small semblance of peace and healing to many who are struggling with their personal grief journey. This years event was especially poignant and emotional for many as we were privileged to have a group of fifteen Ukranians currently residing in Dungarvan and Cappoquin as special guests.
To listen to some of their stories was touching and indeed heartbreaking for many and indeed made us realise how lucky we are and how grateful we should be for the simple things. They were deeply “grateful and honoured” to be asked to attend and thanks to the artistic work of local lady Monica Campion we were able to present them with some special candles. They were delighted to receive some treats for the road home from Beth Ann on behalf of ‘The Lismore food Company’ A special lantern with a map of Ukraine was placed in the park with a special verse that read.
“WHEN THE POWER OF LOVE OVERCOMES THE LOVE OF POWER THE WORLD WILL KNOW PEACE”
People visited the park throughout the night and the 700 candles burned until dawn. At 4.30am a large group gathered at the park to walk for Darkness into
Light.
The walk took them on a 5km route to Owbeg and back via Mayfield again gathering at the park to enjoy a chat and some refreshments kindly sponsored by Kellehers, Cappoquin, Lismore Food Company and Mary Dalton. Thanks also to Eoin O’Donoghue and family for sponsoring 600 nightlights for the occasion.
A huge thank you to all who helped in any way to make this a memorable occasion. A special effort was made to “Light” the route at 3am on Saturday morning when hundreds of candles and nightlights were placed at various intervals along the route, each flame again a symbol of hope for those who are struggling. Thanks to Edward Lynch, and Kelly Ryan for sacrificing their night’s sleep to ensure the route was extra special. All the proceeds of the night which currently stands at €2,600 was donated to Pieta House to ensure they can continue to give hope to so many.
‘The memories we have will forever keep us connected in a very special way to the loved ones we miss”
Thank you all.
John Ryan – on behalf of everybody involved.