Athy set to mark 10 years of Darkness Into Light

ATHY will celebrate 10 years of Darkness into Light in the early hours of Saturday 10 May with hundreds from the community set to gather to walk together for a very important cause. 

It was back in 2015 when Richard Daly, principal of Athy College, approached Darkness Into Light to see if they could run it in Athy.

The organising committee started with seven members and has six familiar faces ten years on. 

The late Diarmaid Flynn, a valued member of the committee whose contributions have left an indelible mark, is fondly remembered.

“After ten years on the Darkness Into Light committee, I’m filled with gratitude. It’s been a journey of compassion, community, and hope,” Richard said. 

“Being part of something that brings light to others during their darkest moments has been humbling and deeply meaningful.

"We have walked alongside incredible people, and every year reminds us why this matters so much.

"It’s more than just an event – it’s a movement of love, resilience, and connection with our communities.” 

Thanks to the fantastic support of the local community, Athy Darkness Into Light has raised over €200,000 over the years in aid of Pieta House.

Pieta House is an organisation that supports suicide and self-harm prevention in Ireland.

That total will rise once more following this year's walk on 10 May. 

Preparations are in full swing with the Darkness Into Light committee, volunteers from Athy College, Civil Defence, Kildare County Show, Community Garda, local businesses, the Men’s Shed, women’s activity group, scouts and local residents all involved.

Local businesses are encouraged to ‘paint the town yellow’ in the run-up by decorating their windows and shopfronts in yellow to show their support and help raise awareness for this meaningful cause.

The ambassador for 2025 is none other than Athy’s own music legend Jack L.

He will be joined on stage by the Village Voices community choir and Carrie Haskins, while Kildare Sports Partnership’s Donna Berry will get the walkers ready to go with an early morning warm up.

Darkness Into Light 2025, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, will take place at 4.15am on Saturday 10 May. 

This inspiring event symbolises hope, as communities come together to support mental health and prevent suicide.

In the darkest of times, we can struggle to find the brightness but during Darkness Into Light, every one of us has the power to be a light against the dark. For more information or to sign up, visit darknessintolight.ie.