Latest Darkness into Light event in Limerick launched

THE LATEST addition to Limerick's Darkness into Light fraternity has been revealed.

Knockainey Ladies Football Club, in partnership with Knockainey GAA Club, launched their walk for Pieta to support mental health and prevent suicide in the community centre last Thursday night. 

This is the first time a Darkness into Light (DIL) event will take place through the Knockainey/Lough Gur parish.

It takes place on Saturday, May 10 - beginning at 4.15am. 

Last year, there were DIL walks in Pallasgreen, Kilmallock, Newcastle West, Kildimo, Hospital, Glenbrohane, Anglesboro, Knocklong and Limerick city 

Knockainey’s walk will be in memory of numerous past members of both the ladies football and GAA clubs who, sadly, are no longer with us, said John Macnamara, chairperson of the ladies football club, at the launch.

“These are people who gave freely of their time as members to better the organisations. Now we have an opportunity to remember these people and keep the pride and ambition  that they had for the club strong into the future,” said Mr Macnamara.

Ger O’Shea, Knockainey GAA chairperson, said he was delighted to support this initiative as it is an opportunity to remember past members and support people who are going through difficult times at the moment.

Marie Moloney, principal of Knockainey NS, said the school would make banners for the Darkness into Light event on May 10.

She said it is important, no matter what age you are, that you need to be able to tell someone that you can be sad and it's OK to be sad.

“There is always help available,” stressed Ms Moloney. 

Bulgaden Castle and Lough Gur NS  were thanked on the night of the launch for their support.

All local organisations are invited to take part in Knockainey’s first DIL walk. All proceeds will go towards Pieta House under the Knockainey section.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Launch of Knockainey parish's first Darkness into Light

Further information is available  from any member of the ladies football or GAA clubs.

The first DIL walk was in 2009 when 400 people set off in the Phoenix Park in Dublin to raise funds for Pieta. 

Since then, it has grown and grown and now there are over 150,000 participants at home and abroad every year.