By Sean Moriarty

Organisers of 'Darkness into Light - Nathan's Walk' are expecting Killarney to “light up” as the popular charity walk makes a welcome return after the pandemic forced the cancellation of the event for the last two years.

LAUNCH: Pictured at JM Reidy's for the official launch of Darkness into Light - Nathan's Walk were: MC Brendan Fuller Seanie O'Donoghue Marta Pogorzelec Marie and Denis O'Carroll Violeta Bendikiene Mike O'Leary Electric Ireland's Kevin Ryan and Sergeant Dermot O'Connell. Photo: Marie Carroll-O'Sullivan

The idea behind the local event is to spread awareness and to help prevent suicide and self-harm. It's also a chance to raise vital funds for the service provided free by Pieta House.

The Killarney walk was set up in 2011 by Marie O'Carroll following the tragic loss of her 14-year-old son Nathan.

'Darkness into Light - Nathan's Walk' was launched at JM Reidy’s on Tuesday and a large crowd took advantage of the early registration which opened at the launch.

Marie is confident that this year’s walk will attract large numbers going by the amount who signed up on Tuesday.

“People just want to get out after the pandemic,” she told the Killarney Advertiser.

“Killarney is going to light up.”

This year’s event will start at 4.15am Saturday morning from Killarney Racecourse. The 5k route will pass Ross Castle before entering the National Park and following the lake shore it will return to the racecourse via Ross Road.

Registration will re-open this evening (Friday) from 7pm to 9pm at Killarney Racecourse. Volunteers will also be on hand to finish registration between 1.30am and the walk’s start.

Meanwhile, Gary McCormick is recruiting volunteers to help marshal the walk. He needs people from 12 midnight to manage car parking in the racecourse as well as other roles along the route. He can be contacted on 087 685 6929.