In Pictures: Limerick parish's first Darkness into Light is full of hope

PALLASGREEN’S first Darkness into Light walk will be remembered by the 700 men, women and children who took part for the rest of their lives.

Hope spelt out in joint letters at the grotto in Nicker Church encompassed the mood and message of the morning. The walkers left Pallasgreen GAA Club's astro pitch at precisely 4.15am on Saturday morning. The event for Pieta House was led and lit up by Thomas O'Connor on his trike decked out in lights.

Among those in attendance were Limerick senior hurler David Reidy and Today FM's Louise Cantillon, both brand ambassadors. Pallasgreen has taken up the baton from Murroe who successfully held the Darkness into Light event in east Limerick for many years.

During the 5km loop walk the participants stopped at Nicker Grotto as the darkness turned to light for a quiet moment of solace and introspection. One and all returned to the community centre for a hot cup of tea and coffee.

WATCH: Thousands spread hope during Limerick city's Darkness into Light event

A post on the superbly organised event's Facebook page reads: "What a highly successful morning we had in Pallasgreen for our very first Darkness into Light. Thank you all so very much for all your support. If you have any videos or photos from our very first walk, we would love to see them and share them on social media, and keep Pieta at the forefront of people's minds in the coming days.

"After all, there are 364 other days, in the year with people struggling with not feeling their best possible self, so together, let's us make a little difference."

One of the organising committee, Ger O'Connell wished to thank the East Limerick branch of the Red Cross; gardai; all the local volunteers; Lee's Centra; Thomas O'Connor; Fr Tomàs O Connell; Pallasgreen Templebraden Community Council; Pallasgreen GAA; Michael Ryan and family; their two brand ambassadors David Reidy and Louise Cantillon; Patrick and Audrey O'Dwyer for the magnificent HOPE sign; and last but by no means least Susie O'Kelly and Dara Fraher for the many meetings to ensure it went off as smoothly as it did. 

Click 'Next' for more pictures from photographer Mike O'Riordan