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03 Apr 2026

Going the extra Laois miles for Portlaoise hospital care

Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise patients boosted by Castletown Portlaoise fundraiser

Portlaoise hospital

Road to Recovery presents cheque to the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

​The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital have expressed their sincere gratitude following another hugely successful “Road to Recovery” road run, which this year raised an impressive €7,613.95 to enhance patient comfort at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

Organised by the Ryan family alongside a fantastic team of volunteers, the annual Road to Recovery event continues to go from strength to strength, attracting widespread community support. The event features a convoy of vehicles travelling from Castletown, fittingly passing the hospital in Portlaoise and arriving back to Castletown, bringing together participants, sponsors, and supporters in aid of their local hospital.

The fundraiser was originally established following organiser Toney Ryan’s personal health journey and has since become a key date in the local calendar. Over the years, the initiative has raised significant funds, helping to enhance patient comfort and provide essential medical equipment. Last year’s donation saw the purchase of a McGrath laryngoscope and a breast pump. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

The Road to Recovery team at Portlaoise hospital with the cheque for the funds raised.

This year’s total marks a further increase on previous fundraising efforts, reflecting the continued generosity and commitment of the local community.

Speaking on behalf of the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital, Áine Reams highlighted the importance of such contributions in supporting patients.

“Funds raised through events like the Road to Recovery road run play a crucial role in allowing us to make donations to the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Without people like the Ryan’s and those who supported the run, we would not be able to fulfill our mission of enhancing patient comforts at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.

"We are extremely grateful to the Ryan family for all they have done for the Friends over the past two years and to all who bought raffle tickets, took part in the run, donated prizes, helped out on the day or made donations,” she said.

Event organiser Toney Ryan acknowledged the support.

READ NEXT: Big wheels turn in Laois for Portlaoise hospital IN PICTURES

“This event is about giving back. The support from the community has been incredible, and we are proud to contribute to such an important cause that helps so many families.

"It’s brilliant to see the Run grow each year and I’m very grateful to all who support us,” he said.

The cheque presentation was attended by Ann Reams, Áine Reams, Emma Dempsey and Emily Maher of the Friends of Portlaosie Hospital. The Road to Recovery representatives present at the handover were Niamh Ryan, Patrick Kemp, Toney Ryan, Leon Ryan, Margaret Ryan and Becky Kingman.

The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital, a voluntary organisation established in 1991, relies entirely on donations and community fundraising initiatives to continue their vital work supporting patients.

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