Longford's official Darkness Into Light group has defended posts shared on their Facebook regarding unofficial fundraising walks this weekend.
In a series of posts over the last week, the Facebook page for the group highlighted unofficial Darkness into Light walks around the county, urging people to attend the official event instead.
In the posts, the group stated that unofficial events could hinder Pieta’s ability to help people with suicidal ideation, who are self-harming, or who have been bereaved by suicide.
This led to a backlash from local organisations hosting the unofficial events.
In a statement to Shannonside FM News, Fr Manning Gaels and St Helens GAA Club in Drumlish said their volunteers were disheartened to see the comments in such a public manner
They stated that it was not credible to state that local events take away from other official events and will host their event as normal.
Darkness into Light co-chair Francesca Pawelcyzk says that unofficial events are not covered by Pieta's insurance, and the lack of registration fee reduces money raised by the charity.
When asked if she stood by the Facebook posts following the reaction, she stated she does but regrets any hurt caused by them:
