Local Tipperary town gears up to host Darkness into Light 2026
Thurles will host a Darkness into Light walk on May 9
Final preparations are now well underway for the upcoming Darkness Into Light 5km walk/run which takes place early on the morning of Saturday May 9 at 4:15am.
The Committee have been working hard again this year promoting the fundraiser for Pieta House, now on its tenth outing in Thurles.
The Committee says they are also delighted to announce that Tipperary Senior Hurling Manager, Liam Cahill, has agreed to come on board and welcome the crowd before they set off on the route around the town.
Chairperson for the event in Thurles, Jonathan Gleeson said: “We continue to be truly overwhelmed by the sheer scale of support we receive every year for this event and we are also delighted to have Liam on board this year. We would particularly like to thank David Morgan and all his team at FBD Semple Stadium for providing us with the perfect facility for this event and for all their hard work in preparing the Dome and Grounds for DIL 2026”.
Darkness Into Light, will start in the early hours of Saturday, May 9, from the Dome at FBD Semple Stadium, on a 5km route around Thurles, while the dawn is breaking.
The DIL committee is asking everyone to arrive from 3:30am, as the walk will commence at 4:15am sharp.
There will be no parking available at the Dome itself, which they say is for safety reasons due to crowd congregation, however, parking has been arranged across the road at the Greyhound Track, and there will be stewards on hand to direct traffic.
Stewards will also be stationed at each junction on the route, and the walking crowd will be led by a garda patrol, followed by the Order of Malta.
Organisers advise those taking part to dress warmly, saying layers are a good idea, and some kind of waterproof jacket too.
A hat, scarf and gloves are also recommended, and they also advise everyone to bring a torch if they can.
Dogs on a lead are welcome, however, they ask those bringing dogs to keep them on their lead, and to clean up after them.
They say to remember that there will be children and other dogs around so they must be friendly.
On return to the Dome, there will be refreshments served, with live music provided by the Ursuline Chamber Choir.
They say this event is not to be missed.
The DIL Committee is giving the final push and urging everyone to register online for this year’s event at www.darknessintolight.ie.
Finally a reminder to please find, ‘like’ and ‘share’ the DIL Thurles (@dilthurles) Social Media pages on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok. We look forward to welcoming you all on the 9.