Hundreds turn out for darkness into light
More than 600 participants along with 100 volunteers gathered at Coláiste Muire secondary school in the early hours of the morning to support Pieta House at Ballymote’s first Darkness into Light event.
The event was organised by a 10- member committee who worked tirelessly and countless hours over the past number of months.
Many young children, students and members of the community were out in force on Saturday May 6th along with visitors from as far as Dublin who were in Ballymote for the weekend.
Local MEP Marian Harkin attended and following an emotional speech, cut the ribbon to send runners/ walkers/ joggers on their way.
Fr. James McDonagh led the participants in prayer and Lisa Healy ( TY student) read out a very encouraging letter from Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House to the crowds who had gathered to take on the dawn challenge.
The committee wish to thank the event sponsors; residents of Ballymote; the catering, registration, t- shirt and stewarding teams; school staff, students and board of management; local businesses; local Gardaí, fire service and civil defence; those who donated food, money and their time; all the participants and anyone else who helped in any way.
Participants are asked to share the photos/ videos to the FaceBook page ‘ Darkness into Light Ballymote’ and to keep an eye on the page for updates in relation to funds raised, which will be published in the coming weeks. The organisers of the event locally were delighted with the turn out on the night.