As the official coffee partner of Darkness Into Light 2026, Circle K is supporting the tens of thousands of people who will take part in the early morning walk, coming together in hope, remembrance and solidarity with those impacted by suicide and self-harm.

Darkness Into Light, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, is one of Ireland’s largest and most impactful fundraising initiatives. Last year, 80,000 people across 200 walks raised €4 million to support Pieta’s free, life-saving services. This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to take part in more than 150 locations nationwide, many of them close to Circle K stores.

While the event is a powerful moment of togetherness and hope, it also reflects the very real and ongoing impact of suicide and self-harm across Ireland. Each year, around 500 people lose their lives to suicide, and one in five people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime. The impact extends far beyond the individual, with a single suicide affecting up to 135 people, including families, friends and entire communities.

Pieta continues to provide critical support to those who need it most, responding to over 100,000 crisis calls and texts last year. Importantly, every 2km walked can help fund one life-saving call to Pieta’s crisis helpline, meaning every step taken by participants has a direct impact.

Gillian McGowran, Market Development Director, at Circle K Ireland said:
“At Circle K, we are deeply proud to stand with Pieta as both a charity partner and the official coffee partner of Darkness Into Light 2026. By offering free tea and coffee to participants, we want to support and thank the incredible communities coming together this Saturday, 9 May. In the lead-up to the event, we are also encouraging customers nationwide to add a €1 donation at the till, helping to directly support Pieta’s vital, life-saving services. Together, we can help shine a light in the darkness while supporting the vital work Pieta delivers every day.”

Through its nationwide services, including in-person, phone and video therapy, and suicide bereavement support, Pieta provides free, professional care to thousands of people each year. Community fundraising events like Pieta’s Darkness Into Light are essential to helping ensure these services remain available to everyone who needs them.

Stephanie Manahan, CEO at Pieta said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Circle K for their continued support of Darkness Into Light and for helping to create such a warm and welcoming moment for participants on the morning of the walk.

Every person who takes part is helping to ensure that Pieta’s free suicide and self-harm prevention services remain available to those who need them most. If you haven’t already registered, there is still time to do so and join your local walk at darknessintolight.ie and be part of something truly meaningful.”

Launched in January 2026, Circle K’s three-year partnership with Pieta includes a commitment to raise €1 million to support vital suicide and self-harm prevention services.

How to get help

If you are thinking of self-harming, suicide, or have lost someone to suicide, Pieta offers free, professional support:

• Call 0818 111 126 to book an appointment for therapy or counselling
• If you need immediate crisis support, contact the Pieta Crisis Helpline, available 24/7, at 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444
• Pieta’s Crisis Helpline is staffed by qualified therapists 365 days a year to offer immediate, compassionate support over the phone

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This significant redevelopment forms part of Circle K’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its retail network and reinvesting in local areas across Ireland. Located along the Enniskerry Road, the newly revamped Kilternan store has been carefully designed to meet the evolving needs of a growing local community.

As part of the refurbishment, Circle K has invested €380,000 in EV infrastructure, reflecting its commitment to meeting evolving customer needs while supporting the transition to lower‑emission transport in Ireland. The new forecourt in Kilternan will have four EV chargers including two high powered EV chargers.

The Kilternan site now offers a brighter, more intuitive store layout and an expanded food experience, featuring a full hot and cold deli, an extended grab‑and‑go selection, and an enhanced in‑store bakery. Customers can also enjoy a broader off‑licence range, alongside improved coffee service with additional machines designed to keep queues moving smoothly, even during peak times.

The transition to the new Circle K store has been completed with no disruption to customers or staff, with all existing roles retained. The store continues to be managed by its experienced local manager and team, ensuring continuity and familiarity for the community.

Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, said: “Today’s official opening of our newly refurbished Kilternan store marks an important milestone for Circle K. This €1.4 million investment demonstrates our commitment not only to enhancing our retail network but also to reinvesting in local communities like Kilternan. With significant development taking place in the area, this upgraded store will better serve the needs of local residents, both long‑established and new. We are delighted to formally welcome Kilternan into the Circle K network and to continue supporting customers with excellent service, improved food offerings, and enhanced facilities.”

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Circle K’s FAI Clubs competition has seen €60,000 worth of cash and kit given to 20 clubs through monthly giveaways since October 2025. All clubs who won the monthly prizes were entered into the Grand Finale draw. Clondalkin club Booth Road Celtic were awarded the top prize of €10,000 cash, with clubs from all over the country winning further prizes of cash, kit and a VIP training experience with the Republic of Ireland Senior teams.

With the Grand Finale giveaway, Circle K has surpassed €200,000 that has been given away in cash and kit to grassroots clubs across the country since becoming an FAI partner in 2023.

This year’s FAI Clubs competition, and previous iterations in 2023 and 2024, are part of Circle K’s broader commitment to grassroots football through its partnership with the FAI Club Mark Programme that rewards clubs who demonstrate excellence in governance, management, and initiatives to grow grassroots football.

Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland said; “Congratulations to Booth Road Celtic for claiming the top prize in our FAI Clubs Competition Grand Finale, and to each of the other clubs who won some incredible prizes. All of the clubs who have won prizes throughout the competition have done so due to the tremendous support of Circle K customers in their local communities.

“Circle K recognises the value of grassroots football in Ireland and the Grand Finale prizes bring the amount we have given to clubs across the country to €200,000, which is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. Our support isn’t just monetary however, we are also delighted to be the title sponsor of the FAI Club Mark Programme which grows grassroots football nationwide by helping clubs improve their governance and management standards.”

The full list of Grand Finale winners:

€10,000 cash – Booth Road Celtic (Dublin)

€5,000 cash – Tulla United (Clare), Lords Celtic (Dublin), Marks Celtic (Dublin), Peak Villa FC (Tipperary)

VIP Training Experience – Shannon Town (Clare)

€1,500 worth of Circle K playing kit – Listowel Celtic (Kerry), Carrick Rovers (Monaghan), Killester Donnycarney FC (Dublin), Pike Rovers FC (Limerick), Bridge Celtic (Clare)

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Circle K, title sponsor of the FAI Club Mark Programme, has announced Ballyfermot FC as the February winner of their monthly FAI Clubs competition, Ardmore Rovers secured second place, with Arklow Town FC finishing third, and both clubs have been awarded €1,500 worth of kit for their clubs.

The Circle K FAI Club competition has prize fund of €60,000 including €30,000 worth of kit and €30,000 in cash as well as a VIP training experience with players from the Republic of Ireland Senior teams.

A weekly cash prize of €500 was also awarded to a Circle K Extra member with the most points as a thank you for their support, before the competition drew to a close on March 29th.

This initiative is part of Circle K’s broader commitment to grassroots football through its partnership with the FAI Club Mark Programme that rewards clubs who demonstrate excellence in governance, management, and initiatives to grow grassroots football. Since the partnership began, Circle K has invested over €200,000 in clubs across Ireland.

Ballyfermot FC and all other previous monthly winners are entered into the competition’s Grand Finale, where clubs can win a host of incredible prizes:

• One club will win a grand prize of €10,000.
• Four additional clubs will win a €5,000
• One club will win a VIP Training Experience with the Men’s national team.
• 5 clubs will win 3x sets of kit each for their team’s clubs

Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland said: “We are thrilled to announce Ballyfermot FC as our February winners of the Circle K FAI Cash for Clubs competition. Their commitment and consistency across the month set them apart, earning them the top spot just ahead of Ardmore Rovers and Arklow Town FC.

The level of engagement we’re seeing from clubs and their communities across the country continues to grow, which is fantastic. We are really excited to announce the winners of the upcoming Grand Finale and want to congratulate all Circle K Extra members who have gotten involved, logged their points and played their part in helping their club finish strong.”

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The transition has been completed with minimal disruption to store operations, ensuring continuity for both employees and customers. Across the seven sites, all 142 existing roles have been retained, reinforcing Circle K’s position as a significant local employer. Each store continues to be managed by its existing store manager and team, while customers will now benefit from Circle K’s expanded convenience offering alongside the same local service they know and trust.

The official opening was marked at an event at the Airside location by Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland, members of the Circle K team, and local Republic of Ireland international footballer Jamie Finn. The event recognised the importance of the investment and Circle K’s ongoing commitment to the local community.

Ciara Foxton, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland said: “Today’s official opening marks an important milestone for Circle K as we continue to invest in our retail network across Ireland. Retaining experienced local teams and ensuring a smooth transition for customers have been central to this process, and we are delighted to officially welcome these seven new locations to the Circle K network.”

To celebrate the opening, Circle K is running a Grand Opening Week across its seven newly rebranded locations, featuring Extra Hero loyalty offers alongside a range of promotions available to all customers. Across the full week, €6,000 worth of free product will be given away as prizes across participating Circle K locations.

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