Limerick parish embodies the spirit of Darkness Into Light in moving video

THERE is already enough work involved in organising a Darkness Into Light walk but the trio behind Pallasgreen’s event have gone one step further and shot an accompanying video.

However, organisers Suzie O’Kelly, Dara Fraher and Ger O’Connell like to challenge themselves.

Suzie said when they started planning their final year hosting Darkness into Light Pallasgreen in 2025 before passing the torch to Cappamore, they really wanted to make it a memorable one and go out on a high note.

“The song and dance phenomenon of Jerusalema has always resonated deeply with us, with its powerful message of unity and hope. It felt like the perfect anthem to embody the spirit of Darkness Into Light,” said Suzie.

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Their first foray into creative video fundraising for Darkness into Light actually goes back to our very first year. 

“We were incredibly fortunate to have our own talented singer Martyn Cosgrave recreate Cian Ducrot's song, Part of Me. We recreated the song's essence in our local Lee’s Centra Pallasgreen. It was a really special and impactful way to kick off our fundraising journey.

“For this year's initiative, our first step in bringing the Jerusalema vision to reality was reaching out to the incredibly talented Paddy Kennedy. Paddy is a huge figure in the local dance scene, having brought All-Ireland titles back to Cappamore for countless years, amongst his many other achievements. Thankfully, Paddy absolutely loved our initial concept, and from that point, the whole project just seemed to organically unfold,” said Suzie.

What they are most proud of is how this initiative brought so many different parts of their wider community together. 

It involves Transition Year students in Scoil na Tríonóide Naofa, in Doon; residents and dedicated staff of St. Anthony's Nursing Home; local Pallasgreen LGFA team; horses and riders from Garranmore Equestrian Centre; a dedicated dance group who performed at the serene Nicker Grotto and Irish dancer extraordinaire Leah Pearse.

“It was a real collaborative effort, and seeing everyone come together to contribute their time and talent to this project in support of Darkness into Light was truly special. We felt it was a powerful way to visually represent the unity and support that underpins the entire Darkness into Light movement, building on the creative fundraising we started back in our first year with Martyn,” said Suzie. 

The video, created by Kilmallock’s Jack O’Shea, concludes with their brand ambassadors and three first responders - Leah Ward, John Mulready,and Chris McMahon. 

They stand holding three simple yet profound signs: Help, Stop, Suicide.

“Through this visual journey, woven with the threads of dance, music, and heartfelt symbolism, our aim was to create a warming and caring message of love, hope, and unwavering community support for all those touched by the darkness, reminding them that they are never truly alone and that help is always within reach,” said Suzie.

It has over 11,000 views and counting on YouTube.