Several Darkness into Light walks on Saturday morning

People in communities across the country, including several in this area, will gather for the annual Pieta House Darkness into Light walks at 4.15am on Saturday, May 10.

The event is supported by Electric Ireland and 150,000 people are expected to take part.

The main walks in the midlands are in Mullingar, Athlone and Longford. In Westmeath, walks are also planned in Delvin, Collinstown, Ballymore, Streete and Kilbeggan.

Registration for the Mullingar walk will begin at 3.30am and it is based at St Loman’s GAA on Delvin Road. The route is a loop through Mullingar Town Park and back to St Loman’s.

The Delvin Darkness into Light walk starts from the mart at 4.15am (5km); 087 4836391 for information.

The Collinstown Darkness into Light walk is based at Decotek Park, and takes place between 6.30-9.30am.

The Athlone walk begins at the Athlone Town FC stadium, loops through the town centre and back to the start point.

In Kilbeggan, the event is hosted by the Kilbeggan Shamrocks GAA Club and starts at St James’s Hall; refreshments will be provided afterwards.

The Ballymore event begin at the standard time (4.15am) and a gathering is planned for 3.45am on High Street. The route is a 5km loop of the village to the GAA pitch and back to High Street.

In Streete, the walk is dedicated to Patrick O’Neill, who passed away in 2025. It comprises five laps of the walking track at Streete Parish Park, and is to support Patrick’s family and others from the area affected by mental health and suicide.

Longford Town will host a larger event this year, as the Ballymahon walk is not going ahead. It begins at the Mall Complex and continue to Battery Road, before a loop of the area and back to the Mall.

Last year, Pieta raised some €4m from donations, and this year the goal is €2m.

Find out more at darknessintolight.ie.