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Excitement builds as Killarney gets ready to walk for Nathan

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Always one of the most eagerly anticipated mornings of the year, Nathan’s Walk, or Darkness into Light as the event is known nationally, will take place on May 6.

This will be the seventh annual Darkness into Light march in Killarney as the fundraiser continues to get bigger and more successful with each passing year.

The event is hosted by Marie and Denis O’Carroll who tragically lost their 14- year-old son Nathan to suicide in 2007. The aim is to generate much needed funds for the suicide and self-harm awareness centre Pieta House, while also raising awareness of an issue which has been all too frequently stigmatised in this country.

Darkness into Light started with approximately 400 people walking the 5km course in Dublin’s Phoenix Park in 2009. This year, there will be approximately 150 venues across Ireland and worldwide.

In 2016, over 130,000 people took part in the events.

Founded in Dublin in 2006, Pieta House now has services nationwide. Pieta offers free counselling to those suffering from suicidal ideation, those who have been bereaved by suicide and people who are engaging in self-harm.

Nathan’s Walk will start at 4.15am at the Killarney Race Course and participants are invited to walk, jog, skip or run the 5km route at their own pace.

The march begins in darkness and ends as the sun comes up and there’s sure to be another massive turnout for this symbolic event.

Speaking after the official launch which took place at the Porterhouse on Tuesday, Nathan’s mother Marie said the family were excited about this year’s walk.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” she said.

“We’re hoping for another great turnout.”

She also thanked The Porterhouse for making a wonderful job of hosting the launch and Senator/founder of Pieta House Joan Freeman, Kieran Brady and Kieran O’Brien (Pieta House Limerick) for attending.

Although it will be possible to register on the day, the organisers suggest signing up online at http://dil.pieta.ie/ before April 27 to save time and to get your official Darkness into Light t-shirt.

There will also be pre-registration at the Killarney Race Course on May 3, 4 and 5 from 5-8pm.

You should also bring proof of registration (either printed or on your phone) and arrive 30 minutes before the start time.
 


 
Above: Nathan’s Walk was launched at the Porterhouse, Killarney on Tuesday. The Darkness into Light walk will take place on May 6 from Killarney Race Course. Pic: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan.

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.

According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.

This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:

“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”

“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.

It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.

The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.

An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.

“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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