Communities to share the sunrise at Darkness into Light

By Diarmaid Doherty

COMMUNITIES across Donegal will share the sunrise this Saturday morning as they take part in the annual Darkness into Light fundraising celebrations.

A host of events are taking place in the county where people will gather at 4.15am for a 5k walk or run to meet the sunrise.

In all, 13 locations in the county, including Arranmore Island and Tory Island, will host events while in Letterkenny, two neighbouring football clubs will join together for a unique early morning football fundraiser in memory of two valued club members who died in March.

Letterkenny Rovers and Bonagee United are organising a Walking Football match for club coaches and senior members which will be played at Leckview Park at 4.15am on Saturday – coinciding with the Darkness into Light official events taking place right around the world.

Last month, the town of Letterkenny was left in shock at the deaths of Kieran McGrath and Liam Haughey.

Kieran, from Ard O’Donnell, was a member of Letterkenny Rovers and Liam from Mount Pleasant, Mountain Top, was a former player and club member at Bonagee United.

Proceeds from all the Darkness into Light events go to Pieta House and the events also help to raise awareness of the importance of mental health services which are needed to support those who are in crisis.

Tom McEvoy, who is the National Fundraising Manager for Pieta House, said this weekend’s events are expected to attract a big turn-out of participants.

“Here we are now in our 15th year of Darkness into Light and little did we think when this started out that we’d still be going after all these years,” he said.

The annual charity event was put on hold during Covid-19 but returned again last year.

“There were so many people who were keen for it to happen again and last year we were absolutely delighted with how it went.

“It’s looking really good again for this year and registrations have been busy so hopefully we’ll get another good turn-out.”

Mr McEvoy also congratulated Letterkenny Rovers and Bonagee United for coming together to organise their own unique fundraiser in memory of Kieran McGrath and Liam Haughey.

“When this event was first organised back in 2009, it was done so to offer some help and support to families who lost loved ones to suicide,” he said.

“Since then, it has helped to raise awareness of Pieta House and the supports that are there for young people and adults who for so many reasons, aren’t able to talk with anyone.

“Maybe this Saturday’s events can help let people know that it’s okay to chat or to share a burden.”

Pieta House has a centre in Letterkenny and is located at the Grand Central Building on Canal Road (074 91 26594).

The following are the Darkness in Light 5k events taking place in Donegal:
Arranmore Island (Ionad an Chrois Bhealaigh), Ballybofey and Stranorlar (Finn Valley AC), Buncrana (Scoil Mhuire), Bundoran (Community Centre), Carndonagh (Spraoi agus Sport), Carrick (Community Hall), Carrigart (Boardwalk Resort), Donegal Town (John Bosco Centre), Gaoth Dobhair (Amharclann Gaoth Dobhair), Letterkenny (ATU Donegal), Narin and Portnoo (Dolmen Centre), Rathmullan (Beach Car Park), Tory Island (Health Centre).

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