Public out in force as Millstreet walks from ‘darkness into light’

Cork

Marie Foley, Beibhinn Foley, Banteer; Donna Lyons, Castlemagner and Catherine Ring, Ballydesmond enjoyed the Millstreet Darkness into Light. Picture John Tarrant

Geraldine O'Leary, Donna McCormack, Marie Smyth and Catherine O'Leary at the Millstreet Darkness into Light. Picture John Tarrant

Dan and Teresa Cashman, Boherbue along with Mairead and J P O'Sullivan, Dromagh, participated in the Millstreet Darkness into Light. Picture John Tarrant

Miriam Cronin, Carol O'Mahony and Kathleen Kelleher at the Millstreet Darkness into Light. Picture John Tarrant

Eileen, Daire and John Manning, Carriganima at the Millstreet Darkness into Light Walk. Picture John Tarrant

Bridget Buckley and Nora Dennehy, Rathcoole relax after the Millstreet Darkness into Light Walk. Picture John Tarrant

Michael O'Donoughue and Seán Murphy, first home in the Millstreet Darkness into Light. Picture John Tarrant

Ava Foley, Ciara Lehane, Muireann Lehane and Ellie Buckley, Millstreet at the Millstreet Darkness into Light. Picture John Tarrant

Rathcoole's Denise, Síobhra and Daire Canty; Bridget, Colin and Caitlinn Casey; Maria, Rory and Emma Kelleher at the Millstreet Darkness into Light. Picture John Tarrant

Huge numbers were bright eyed and bushy tailed ahead of the first light in Millstreet to show their support and to raise funds for the annual Darkness into Light organised to support worthy charity Pieta House.

Close to 300 volunteers enjoyed a 5km walk from the junction for the Green Glens on the Killarney Road, walking to Drishane before returning to the Munster Fire and Safe premises for a welcoming cuppa.

Munster Fire and Safety Director Claire O’Leary spoke of the importance of raising awareness and some funds for this great cause.

"Pieta House provides an essential service, the Darkness into Light idea is a powerfully symbolic way to raise mental health awareness, as well as to remember any loved ones we have lost", she said.

For significant numbers drawn from Duhallow and wider catchment area, Millstreet emerged a popular destination for Darkness into Light.

A perfect mild morning added to the occasion as young and old set off from the start in darkness and with the birds singing at dawn, daylight appeared on the return to Millstreet's Main Street to Munster Fire and Safety to sample refreshments sponsored by local companies.

"The 2023 staging was the biggest yet, it's brilliant to see people coming together and raising money for such a worthy cause", said Claire.

A CALL has gone out to people from across Cork to take to the streets of the city on Saturday to voice their anger and frustration at Government over the ongoing housing crisis.