Preparations underway for seven Darkness into Light events in Meath

Preparations are gearing up for Darkness into Light Trim 2026 which takes place at 4.15am on Saturday 9th May. The 5km walk starts from Trim GAA Club and supports Pieta House's suicide prevention services.

It is one of six Darkness into Light Events in Meath - the others will take place at Navan, starting at the Rugby Club, Fairyhouse Racecourse, Ratoath, Laytown coastal route starting at the car park, Moynalty, starting at the Steam Threshing Museum and Enfield, starting at St  Mary’s National School and Duleek, starting at the industrial estate and finishing at the Courthouse on Main St with free teas and coffees and snacks afterwards at BEO coffee shop.

Registration is now open for this year's event at darknessintolight.ie and there are also opportunities to "take part in your own way "through local fundraising efforts.

Secretary Trim DIL, Gerry Gormley, explained that the walk began in Trim in memory of a dear friend of the original committeem members who took their own life.

"The walk has been taking place for several years now, with James Lavelle as chairperson who has been part of the Trim Darkness into light walk since its inception. It began after a dear friend of the original committee members tragically took their own life. They wanted to pay their respects to their dear friend by creating an event for him and through this became involved with Pieta house," explained Gerry.

"The Trim Darkness into Light walk has always been based around community and we endeavour to get locals involved as much as possible. We have always found great support organising the walk from local groups and we could not do it without their assistance.

"We understand the hardship that has been endured by many in Trim and the surrounding areas- the loss of family members and friends by suicide has effected so many, even over the last year. "The Darkness into light walk is once a year but looking after each other and supporting each other is 365 days a year and we, as a committee, and community hope that the walk can play a part in that."

Gerry said organising the Trim Darkness into Light event every year is a "labour of love" for committee members and they want to shine a light on suicide prevention. "With Pieta house and all the amazing work they do, we are proud to bring this event to the people of Trim and surrounding areas as a show of solidarity with people who are struggling themselves, or are struggling with loss," he said.

If anyone would like to volunteer to help with the event on the day, please contact trim@darknessintolight.ie.

Meanwhile, Circle K, Ireland’s largest fuel and convenience retailer, will offer free tea and coffee, including iced coffee, to all of Darkness Into Light walkers across participating Circle K locations nationwide including some Circle K Express sites* stores from 5am to 8am on Saturday.

Customers are invited to simply mention “Darkness Into Light” at the till to receive their complimentary drink.

As the official coffee partner of Darkness Into Light 2026, Circle K is supporting the tens of thousands of people who will take part in the early morning walk, coming together in hope, remembrance and solidarity with those impacted by suicide and self-harm.

Darkness Into Light, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, is one of Ireland’s largest and most impactful fundraising initiatives. Last year, 80,000 people across 200 walks raised €4 million to support Pieta’s free, life-saving services. This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to take part in more than 150 locations.

While the event is a powerful moment of togetherness and hope, it also reflects the very real and ongoing impact of suicide and self-harm across Ireland. Each year, around 500 people lose their lives to suicide, and one in five people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime. The impact extends far beyond the individual, with a single suicide affecting up to 135 people, including families, friends and entire communities.

Pieta continues to provide critical support to those who need it most, responding to over 100,000 crisis calls and texts last year. Importantly, every 2km walked can help fund one life-saving call to Pieta’s crisis helpline, meaning every step taken by participants has a direct impact.

If you are thinking of self-harming, suicide, or have lost someone to suicide, Pieta offers free, professional support:

Call 0818 111 126 to book an appointment for therapy or counselling.

If you need immediate crisis support, contact the Pieta Crisis Helpline, available 24/7, at 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444

Pieta’s Crisis Helpline is staffed by qualified therapists 365 days a year to offer immediate, compassionate support over the phone

**Apologies, we had omitted the Duleek Walk in an earlier posting.