Photographed at the official Darkness into Light Athlone 2024 launch were (l to r) Karen Halligan, Amy Maloney; Janette Nestor and Alma Brennan, Athlone Darkness into Light committee members; Cllr Aengus O’ Rourke; Cllr Louise Heavin (Mayor of Athlone), Cllr Frankie Keena; Leanne Slevin; Lauren McCormack; Rachel Dillon and Sarah Dillon, all Westmeath players. Photo: Anthony Demion, Athlone Photography Club

Tenth Darkness into Light event to take place in Athlone

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Athlone will mark the 10th anniversary of hosting the major annual Darkness into Light fundraiser for Pieta on Saturday, May 11.

The Athlone event, which gets underway at 4.15am at Athlone Town Football Stadium, is part of a global movement dedicated to ending suicide and supporting those who engage in self-harm.

People of all ages and from all walks of life across the globe come together to run from darkness into light while raising much-needed funds for the many services provided by Pieta.

Speaking at the launch of the Athlone Darkness into Light event, Cllr Louise Heavin, Mayor of the Muncipal District, spoke of the tragedy of suicide and how it has impacted so many families across the Midlands.

She said it was very important to “shine a light” on the services being offered by the Pieta House base in Athlone, which is strongly supported by the local community.

“Darkness into Light is a way of creating this awareness,” she said.

"We all have mental health and it is something that needs to be talked about, nurtured and invested in.”

She added that she was looking forward to participating in the 10th anniversary Darkess into Light in Athlone on May 11.

Cllr Frankie Keena urged everyone to support the Darkness into Light Athlone event.

“We want you to turn up, put on your t-shirt and get some good exercise as well as creating awareness about suicide prevention,” he said.

Athlone was described as “a cornerstone” for Darkness into Light by Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, who added that the town was “very fortunate” to have a branch of Pieta House located in the town. “

He said much of its work was under the radar, very personal work helping individuals and families through very difficult times , so it was very important to have a good turnout on May 11 at 4.15am.

The start and finish point for this year's Athlone Darkness into Light will be the Athlone Town Football Stadium, with participants opting to either run or walk the route.

Refreshments will be served following the event.

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