It’s almost time to set those alarm clocks. As Saturday May 11 is nearly upon us, hundreds of Laois people from all parts of the county are getting ready for Darkness into Light.
This year, for the first time ever, there will be three Darkness into Light (DIL) events taking place in Laois at 4.15am.
Mountmellick and Rathdowney are both holding their DIL events, and now The Swan is too.
As the crowds gather in Mountmellick, Rathdowney and The Swan to help raise funds for Pieta House’s battle against suicide and self-harm and support for those affected, here is what you need to know about each location.
Mountmellick:
The largest Darkness into Light walk in Mountmellick raised over €31,000 last year and it looking forward to another huge turnout.
The Mountmellick walk will begin as usual from the GAA pitch in Acragar at 4.15am. Parking is available at Mountmellick boys primary school on Davitt Road and at Supervalu. Attendees are not allowed to park in the GAA grounds.
Participants are asked to allow plenty of time to gather due to the crowds. Organisers have asked crowds to park up from between 3.30am to 3.45am.
Rathdowney:
Also starting at 4.15am sharp, the Rathdowney walk leaves from the Parochial Hall in The Square.
The Swan:
The Swan is hosting its first ever Darkness into Light event.
Attendees are being asked to meet at the Hall in The Swan from 3.45am and again, begin the walk at 4.15am sharp.
Said walk involves two laps of the new walking track, a walk down through village and housing estates, onto Timahoe Road and back. To finish, there will be two more laps of the track. Tea and coffee will be served in The Swan hall afterwards.
No registration will be accepted on the morning of any event and no t-shirts will be made available that morning.
People who would like to go along and donate on the morning can do so but won’t be counted in the official register.
SEE ALSO – REVEALED: Old Fort festival will not take place on Main Street this year
