Walking Towards the Light

Three years ago, a small group of us in Greystones officially came together to contribute something to a simple but quietly radical action: getting up before dawn to walk together, and to talk openly about mental health.

This year's Darkness into Light was our third, led as always by Sharon Felton and a committee who gave weeks of their time before a single step was taken. Registration days in Tesco and SuperValu, outreach to local front-line services, such as the Gardaí, Civil Defence, and the fire service. The kind of unglamorous groundwork that makes this a community event.

Darkness into Light Greystones Committee. Front left to right: Mark Barry, Sharon Felton, Afric, Triona, Jenny, Catherine.

Since 2024, we have been proud to partner with Sugarloaf Lions, a local community Lions' club who have become an integral part of what we do. From raising awareness in the lead-up to the event, to stewarding on the day, helping with set-up, and handing out food and drinks at the finish line, their contribution makes a real difference and cannot be neglected.

Thank you to the Sugarloaf Lions for their support.

In 2024, we also planted a Tree of Hope in Darcy's Field, a permanent, living presence in the community where anyone can go, at any time, to pause, reflect, or simply feel less alone.

At 4am, people gathered at the Park and Ride. By 4.15, an estimated 2,000 of us were moving through the main street and back around along the seafront, completing a 5K loop as the sky started to light up. A powerful show of support from our community to show those who need it that they are surrounded by people who care.

I am honoured to serve as Treasurer of Darkness into Light Greystones. Over the past decade, I've been involved in a range of men's mental health initiatives, through fundraising, community group work, and within local GAA circles. That experience has taught me that the barrier is rarely awareness in the abstract. It is permission. The permission to say, in plain terms: it's ok not to be ok.

This year, the movement raised €60,000 for mental health support across the country. Proud of what the committee built, proud of everyone who showed up, and proud of my small part in it

DIL 2025 Committee with Kaci Rockk (in yellow)