Laois Gala Ball raises huge sum to help build a Midlands Hospice
Portarlington organisers of Killenard Charity Gala Ball deliver proceeds
The Laois charity social event of the year has raised a huge sum to help build a hospice for Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford.
The 17th annual Killenard Charity Gala Ball was held in great style last October, in its home at the Heritage, Killenard five star hotel.
Special guest was RTÉ star and Laois lady Claire Byrne, while the proceeds were for the third year all in aid of the future Midlands Hospice, to be built in Tullamore.
It is organised by Portarlington friends Maria Molloy, Colette Kennedy and Marie Corcoran - pictured below with Claire Byrne.
Marie told the Leinster Express / Laois Live how delighted they are that they raised a total of €5,500 for the planned hospice.
"Colette, Maria and I are delighted to have handed over the cheque for the Midlands Hospice because it is badly needed. We hope it will get moving very shortly.
At the 2023 Charity Gala Ball in Killenard Hotel: Special guest Claire Byrne with Organisers Maria Molloy, Marie Corcoran and Collette Kennedy. Photo: Michael Scully.
They presented the €5,500 cheque to Edward Delahunt and Professor Humphrey O'Connor from Offaly Hospice.
"Prof O'Connor fights so hard to get this hospice off the ground. The Midlands is the only region in Ireland that still does not have a hospice," Marie said.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has pledged €20 million towards the hospice, which is also backed by Laois Hospice. A site is not yet confirmed for the 20 bed centre which will provide in-patient palliative care for people nearing end of life.