There was a mighty crowd at the Mountmellick Darkness into Light run/walk this morning.
John Flavin, one of the main men behind the event, said there was up 2,000 people taking part in what was the sixth year in a row that it took place.
The walk was officially started at the Mountmellick GAA grounds by local girl Maeve Dunne, the recently-crowned 2017 Laois Rose.
“We’ve been running it now since 2012,” said John, “and we have had great crowds over the years. “The crowd is actually a bit down this year because there is now one in Monasterevin, Tullamore and Rathdowney – which would be closer to a lot of people who would have come here other years.”
All of the funds generate go towards supporting Pieta House’s counselling services for those in suicidal crisis, people who engage in self harm and those bereaved by suicide. The Darkness into Light began in 2009 in the Phoenix Park with 400 taking part – this year it was held in over 100 towns and villages around Ireland, as well venues around the world such as Hong Kong, Ottowa and Brisbane.
Beginning at 4.30am when it was still dark, the runners and walkers did a 5KM route through Mountmellick town and back to the GAA grounds where refreshments were being served.
The first back through the gates were Clonaslee duo John Rowney and Shane Conroy, who got back before it was even fully bright.
Well done to all concerned.
Check out our images from Mountmellick this morning – and we’ll have some from the first Rathdowney event later.
