By Cara McHugh
A successful turnout brought hope to Darkness into Light event in Sligo town
Chairperson Anne Tully spoke about the DIL’s successful event last Saturday morning as she said “We got the most beautiful morning”.
Tully made a speech at the event and thanked her fellow Committee Members and all Volunteers involved, and spoke about Pieta’s services and creating mental health awareness.
She then joined Calry Folk Group to sing ‘The Rose and Whispering Hope’ which had a special meaning for her. She said they then had a rendition from Donal & Tom of the Lake Isle of Innisfree, after Donal Gilroy/Cathaorleach Sligo County Council cut the ribbon and launched the walk.
“We also had John McMorrow who did some video coverage for RTÉ. Chris had designed a beautiful arch and we had a Reflection tent for people to take a moment to remember their loved ones”.
Tully says that “When we came down by Sligo General Hospital we saw the most beautiful design, the word HOPE in Hindi, Chinese, Ukrainian, Polish & Latvian, Spoken differently – but felt the same (Created by Wendy, Trudy, Ciaran and their team mates)”.
She said the wall came along the footbridge going along to the Riverside Hotel which was designed with around 200 Darkness into Light yellow tealights by Committee member Carl.
There was music by the Rathcormac Folk Choir at the Burbon, Ambrose & Kiara at the Post Office, and a Gospel choir around the Ulster Bank.
Tully added that “the music really enhances the whole atmosphere and we were so blessed to have all this support. We had 1200 people come out last year and I feel we may have had about 1500 this year”.
“A massive thank you to all who came out to walk in memory of all those who have lost a loved one”
Kelley & Michael of the committee organised the food at ATU afterwards and Tully said thank you to all the Businesses who donated food to them.
She also mentioned the Calry Foroige Club who came and helped set up on Friday evening. She also said thanks to “Sligo BID, Sherry Fitgerald, Damien Kennedy for our Video, Sam Elliot for our photographs and Emma our newest Committee team member who did an amazing job with all our social media”.
“I am so so proud of how it all went”, concluded Tully.
