'There is always someone there who will listen - please always remember that'

A Donegal woman who lost ‘her beautiful angel’ only last month has urged young people not to be afraid to talk and to avail of support services that are available.

Megan Clarke from Cashelard, just outside Ballyshannon, and currently living in Letterkenny, peeled back the duvet shortly after the alarm sounded at 3:30am on Saturday to make her way, as she had done in previous years, to Darkness into Light. 

In years gone by, Megan’s family and friends took to the streets in Buncrana for the annual event. It’s one that sees thousands of people participate at various venues around the country in a 5k walk or run at sunrise while raising funds for Pieta House. Please click on the top of the page to watch Megan's video tribute to Rachael

Sophie, Rachael and Chelsea, when they took part in Darkness into Light in Buncrana

Saturday morning, though, was different for Megan, having lost her sister Rachael Connolly - a bright, 13-year-old Scoil Mhuire Buncrana student - just three weeks ago. Rachael was laid to rest at St Mary’s Church in Cockhill following Requiem Mass.

After a brisk cup of coffee, Megan thought of little else except her little sister on the way to Letterkenny’s Port Road at ATU Donegal, where Darkness into Light was due to start at 4:15am.

Megan, back centre, with her friends from Grafters Gym at Darkness into Light in Letterkenny on Saturday 

Megan was joined by her friends from Grafters Gym, among the hundreds of others in yellow t-shirts and hi-vis vests, who remembered those close to them. They walked and ran together, shared stories - affable and affectionate - all to extend Pieta’s message, as night turned into day over the Cathedral town.

Rachael receiving Donegal County Council's Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Courage and Bravery from Cathaoirleach of Donegal of the time, Cllr Jack Murray, in 2021

Just two years ago, Rachael, then aged 11, received Donegal County Council’s first ever Certificate of Recognition for Exceptional Courage and Bravery, when she risked her own life to save her two-year-old cousin Ellie, who was attacked by a husky dog.

“Because of Rachael’s courageous actions, Ellie’s life was saved and, despite sustaining very serious injuries, she is now making a full recovery,” the Cathaoirleach of Donegal of the time, Cllr Jack Murray, said in September 2021.

“Rachael was my best friend,” Megan, who works as a solicitor at McElhinney & Associates in Stranorlar having qualified from the Law Society of Ireland in February, says. “Since she was born, she gave me the best 13 years of my life. She was just such a fun child, always laughing with a great sense of humour. Always happy. Never complained. She and her sister Sophie were inseparable.

Rachael on her first day at Scoil Mhuire Buncrana

“In sixth class at Gaelscoil Bhun Cranncha, Rachael won a prize for Irish language. She was amazing at art, had a love of horses and helped out at stables. She loved animals in general. She was never rude and so helpful, never wanted for a thing and anything she had she would give to others. Even at Christmas, she would share her toys with St Vincent de Paul. Her first thought was always of others. I miss her so much. She was a beautiful soul. My angel.”

Everyone has their own reasons for the early rise for Darkness into Light, each person’s as important as the next. The one thing that links them all though, is the message of hope. For many, Darkness into Light is considered the most important morning of the year. The walk is timed to begin under the shroud of darkness just before sunrise to continue through to dawn to symbolise the journey from despair to hope. Megan is hopeful the message will provide hope to others.

Rachael on her first holy communion day with Megan

“The last few weeks have been difficult and people have been so good and so supportive,” Megan adds. “I’m so thankful to so many - everyone who called or left messages, Mac’s Deli for food, everyone at Grafters for being there on Saturday and linking with the charity, and to all at work in McElhinney & Associates.


Rachael with Megan, her sister and godmother, when she made her confirmation in May of last year

“I always took part in Darkness into Light as for me, it sends a positive message. For young people nowadays, the world moves very fast. Everyone has bad days and everyone has good days. Everyone has some sort of baggage, even if some people might give you the impression they don’t. It happens. Be kind. There are services and there are people available, so don’t ever be afraid to talk to someone - even a friend or someone at home. There is always someone there who will listen. Please always remember that.”