Members of the Nenagh Darkness into Light committee at the launch of the 2024 event to be staged on Saturday, May 11. Front, from left: Brendan Murphy (Secretary), Eavan Carmody Delaney (Chairperson), Tricia Delaney (Vice-Chairperson), Rachel Kennedy. Back: Damian O Donoghue (Event Co-Ordinator), Ryan O’Meara, Fiona Ryan, Shane Kiely.

Darkness Into Light in Nenagh

By Brendan Murphy

The organisation for this year’s Darkness Into Light event got off to a great start when it was officially launched on Saturday, March 16, in the Nenagh Tourist office.

The event, which takes place at 4.15am on May 11, has been extremely well supported over the years. As the sun rises on that date,  thousands of people from all over the world will join together in a powerful movement to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Darkness into Light is more than just a walk - it’s a symbol of hope, solidarity, and resilience.

The committee members of Darkness Into Light Nenagh have been working hard behind the scenes in preparation for this year’s event. It is important to know that all the members of the committee are volunteers who give up their time to organise this annual event in the hope that those who are in distress and in need of help will know that they are not alone, and help is available.

Whether people are walking alone, with friends, or with family, know that you are a part of a global community standing together to break the stigma surrounding mental health.

IN GOOD HANDS

This year’s committee is being led by Chairperson, Eavan Carmody Delaney, and Vice Chairperson, Tricia Delaney. Both have been involved on the committee since 2018 and have been instrumental in the ongoing success of the event. Eavan and Tricia have a keen interest in advocating for increased mental health services and are both members of the group Curam - formerly called Nenagh Mental Health Awareness Community.

Former Chairpersons Damian O Donoghue, Brendan Murphy and Ryan O’Meara are all still active members on this strong committee and all share the same passion and desire to advocate for more mental health services and to raise awareness for mental health. This year’s Darkness Into Light event will start from the Scouts Hall at 4.15am on May 11. The route will remain the same as last year - the 5km route includes a most enjoyable walk down through the heart of the town before walking out the Borrisokane road, along the bypass and returning in along Dromin Road and back to event HQ at the Scouts Hall.

We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s event as we all walk united to raise awareness for mental health and stand united in the fight against suicide and self-harm.

We would like to thank everyone for their continued support with this event. The success of the event is a testament to the great community we all live in.

We welcome new committee members Fiona Ryan and Rachel Kennedy, who have already made a huge impact since they joined our committee this year.