In pictures: Thousands across Ireland gather to mark Darkness Into Light

Frank Fahy with dog Bruno, Avril Gunn with dog Juno and Jean Roberst, Douglas at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Tens of thousands of people joined in this year’s Darkness Into Light, the national fundraiser for suicide and self-harm prevention charity Pieta, an event marking its 16th year.

Walks took place at 230 locations across Ireland this year, while 180 sunrise walks occurred around the world.

In 2024, Pieta provided 6,383 free therapy hours to people in Cork, as well as helping hundreds more across the country.

Each year in Ireland, around 500 people die by suicide. One in five of us will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives.

Since its establishment, Darkness into Light has helped Pieta raise over €36 million, allowing the charity to continue offering its lifesaving services.

To avail of Pieta services, visit www.pieta.ie or call 0818 111 126. Pieta provides 24/7 support via the freephone crisis helpline on 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444.

Here are some images from this morning’s moving event.

Martin and Caroline Lally, Paul Harrington and Aiden O'Brien at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Pictured at Phoenix Park, Dublin is Laura Varga, Jess Rangel and Milla the dog. Picture: Bryan Keane, Inpho Photography

Trish Walsh, Sean Murphy and Catherine Kelleher taking part in the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Pictured are participants at the Malahide event. Picture: Tom Honan, Inpho Photography.

Walkers approach the finish of the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Cork Penny Dinners High Hopes Choir singing at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Runners Michael Coleman, Bishopstown GAA and Callum Harrington, Leevale AC at the finish of the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Pictured at the Salthill, Galway event is Fatimo Abubakr and Jennifer Enokeran. Picture: James Crombie, Inpho Photography.

Volunteers Kevin and Christopher Gearns with Sophia O'Callaghan who were helping out at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Walkers set off in darkness and finish as dawn is breaking, to symbolise hope for those in distress or who have been bereaved through suicide. Pictured are participants at the Salthill, Galway event. Picture: ©INPHO/James Crombie

Fergus, Laura, Emilia and Monika Coghlan, Blackrock at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Organising committee members Henry Cremin, Cllr Ciara O'Connor, Deputising for the Lord Mayor, Majella Cremin, Amanda Cremin, Catherine Glavin and Mick Finn at the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Pictured are participants at the event in Phoenix Park, Dublin. Picture: Bryan Keane, Inpho Photography

Brothers Donal O'Connor, Mahon and Paul O'Connor, Togher with dog Charlie and the extended O'Connor Clan who took part in the Pieta Darkness Into Light charity walk at University College, Cork (UCC) on Saturday 10th May 2025. Picture Larry Cummins

Pictured at the Malahide event are Dawn Burch and Bernadette Wright from Swords. Picture: Tom Honan, Inpho Photography

Pictured at the Malahide event are Rosalie Downey, Jessica Swart and Tara Hatton from Lusk. Picture: Tom Honan, Inpho Photography

Staff from Coláiste Muire, Crosshaven, Sue Lake, Sr. Eleanor Sugrue and Gráinne O'Mahony taking part in a Darkness into Light walk in aid of Pieta at Camden, Co. Cork. -Picture: David Creedon