Limerick village's Darkness Into Light walk a beacon of hope with a novel twist

MURROE’S Darkness into Light event will once again show people that they are not alone, writes Donal O'Regan.

Sometimes man or woman’s best friend is the only companionship they have all day. To include our four legged chums the Murroe committee of Darkness into Light have come up with a unique way to advertise their venue.

Pet owners have been asked to show their support for the walk by taking photographs of their animals with the poster or T-Shirt. Ita Richardson, one of the organisers, said they have received photos of donkeys, calves, cats and dogs.  All photographs have been loaded onto the Murroe Darkness into Light Facebook page. In addition to pet photographs, local clubs and businesses have been showing their support.

Walkers can bring their dogs on the walk, once they are on leads, says Ita.

“The walk in Murroe starts at 4.15am on this Saturday, May 11 at the Muintir na Tíre Hall. Refreshments will be served afterwards. A video showing the walk route is available on the Facebook page.  Those living on the route add to the atmosphere by putting up lights at their own houses.

“Two special parts of the walk are the silent kilometre and the Hope table.  

“The silent kilometre starts at the back gate of Glenstal, and will be clearly signposted.  We ask participants to use this section as a time of reflection for those who need support from Pieta House and all people affected in any way by suicide.  The Hope table will be set up at the forge just opposite the hall, with a banner available to people on which they can write their message of hope,” said Ita.

Parking spaces will be in a field accessible from the R506 route to the village, from which there is pedestrian access to the start of the walk.   Apart from walkers, about 80 members of the community support the organisation, working as stewards, organising refreshments and setting up the walking circuit.   

“We look forward to welcoming all participants and ask that people register on-line at www.darknessintolight.ie/
event/murroe as soon as possible, as no registration is available at the walk venue.  Can we increase our number of participants from 1,207 last year? asks Ita.