Generous Pieta walk response

Photos and report by Healthy Clubs Committee.

From 4am on Saturday, 9 May, people gathered at Kilcullen GAA for the second Pieta House Darkness into Light event run by the Healthy Clubs Committee of Kilcullen GAA. Women, men, and children arrived, some individually, some in pairs, in family groups, and even with a few family dogs — but all with one purpose in mind: to reach out and to support those who feel they have little hope and those affected by suicide. 

Maurice O'Brien initiated proceedings, welcoming the crowd of approximately 150, and invited everyone to begin their walk at 4:30am on the Field of Dreams community walkway around Kilcullen GAA grounds. People began in silence to the orchestra of sound produced by the dawn chorus, but soon, the murmurings of voices joined birdsong as the Dawn Walk community proceeded on their way. 

A very welcome breakfast of sausage baps awaited the walkers at the finish, Maurice O'Brien acting as head chef and ably assisted by Joe Dooley. Raggy's Cafe provided tea and coffee, which helped dispel the chill! 

Thanks to the organisers of the event and volunteers who helped: Bróna Dooley, Maurice O'Brien, Emma Mc Larnon, Joe Dooley, Esther Reddy, and the staff of Raggy's Cafe, Jay, Olivia, and Francesca Lambert-Mills, and thanks to Kilcullen GAA for its support. 

Huge thanks to all who attended and donated to this special cause. A total of €1,320 was raised at the event and has been lodged for Pieta House.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy