OPINION (AN COLÚN): Darkness Into Light taking place in four Offaly venues

A COUPLE of years ago I joined the Darkness into Light walk in Banagher. There was a huge turnout of hundreds of people which was clear evidence of how tragically high the suicide rate is in Ireland.
Every human life is sacred and every suicide is a terrible, heartbreaking tragedy. According to Pieta, each year in Ireland 500 people die by suicide. Why is there such a high number? Why are about ten people a week in Ireland choosing to end their own life? I think the possible answers to these questions can be found in our own lived experiences. The experience of living in our society can often be stark and difficult. Surrounded by the high levels of competition and success all around us, it can be frighteningly easy to slip into self-hatred, shame, self-blame; and a general sense that we, the individual, are just not good enough. Overwhelmed by a sense of failure we can reach the catastrophic decision that our lives are not worth living.
This year's Darkness into Light is taking place on Saturday May 10 and will be located in Rhode, Lough Boora, Ferbane and Banagher. All four walks will start at the same time, 4.15am. The Meeting Points are: Banagher College; Gallen Community School Ferbane; Lough Boora Leabeg R35 DA50; Rhode Ballynamona R35X670. You can book online, on the Pieta Darkness Into Light website.
Pieta was founded in Dublin in 2006 and was established to provide free, accessible support to people affected by suicide and self-harm. Pieta now has over 20 centres nationwide with over 300 staff and offers a variety of supports to people impacted by suicide and self-harm, completely free of charge.
In 2024, Pieta provided 687 free therapy hours to clients in Offaly as well as thousands more across the country.
The Chief Executive of Pieta, Stephanie Manahan, says that one in five of us will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. “These aren’t just numbers,” she points out. “Behind each statistic is a son or daughter, a friend, a grandparent, a colleague.” She says almost 60% of those who access Pieta’s services are under 25, adding that in an age dominated by social media, online comparison, academic pressures, economic uncertainty, and a seemingly relentless stream of global crises, young people are under extraordinary mental strain. “Many are navigating these challenges without the tools or support they need, and the consequences can be devastating.”
This will be the 16th year of Darkness Into Light. “It remains not only Pieta’s largest fundraising event,” continued the Chief Executive, “but also a powerful symbol of hope - a shared statement that we are willing to walk through the dark together, into light. Yet the darkness persists: suicide rates remain stubbornly high, and the demand for mental health support is growing.” She said it is vitally important for everyone to talk openly and support one another. “Each life lost leaves behind a trail of grief and unanswered questions for families and communities. And the most painful truth of all? So many of these deaths could be prevented. It's time to end the silence. We need to start having open, honest conversations about suicide and self-harm. Not just within families or friend groups, but across the entire fabric of society - from schools and workplaces to boardrooms and the halls of government.”
She pointed out that the reasons someone may feel suicidal or engage in self-harm are complex and deeply personal, but there are common threads. “Young people today face pressure academically, socially, and emotionally. The always-on nature of social media can distort self-image and amplify feelings of inadequacy. Many face bullying or exclusion, both online and offline. Others struggle with anxiety about the future - climate change, job insecurity, the housing crisis. For some, it’s the weight of trauma, abuse, identity struggles, or simply the feeling that they don’t belong. Access to timely mental health care remains inconsistent, and stigma still prevents many from reaching out before things become overwhelming.”
Suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 34 in Ireland. In 2021, 133 young men in this age bracket died by suicide - along with 39 young women. The Pieta CE said that for a country as small as ours, these are not just shocking figures; they are a national crisis.
Pieta is working very hard. In 2024 it delivered over 51,000 hours of intervention and bereavement counselling and responded to more than 100,000 crisis calls and texts via its 24/7 helpline. However, because the need far outweighs the resource, it is an organisation under significant pressure.
“If we truly want to turn the tide on suicide,” continued Ms Manahan, “we need a whole-of-society approach. We need compassion, courage, and commitment - from communities, from businesses, from schools, and from our leaders. Let’s walk together. Let’s talk openly. Let’s ensure that no one feels they have to face their darkest moments alone.”