Countdown on in Laois to big ball for Portlaoise hospital

The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital supported Seán & Róise Tynan raised funds on Cemetery Sunday 2023 to set up a lemonade stand in aid of the Paediatric Unit at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise/

placeholder image — The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital supported Seán & Róise Tynan raised funds on Cemetery Sunday 2023 to set up a lemonade stand in aid of the Paediatric Unit at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise/

Friends of Portlaoise preparing for a big turnout

There is great excitement among the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital committee with their Gala Ball fastly approaching.

They have been working hard over their last few months organising a “night to remember” when the Gala Ball is taking place on Saturday, April 13 in Portlaoise's Midlands Park Hotel.

The Friends say it promises to be a big night in the calendar for people in Portlaoise and further afield.

The ball will start with a drinks reception serving prosecco, with music. Guests will then be moved into the ballroom for what's promised to be a beautiful 4-course meal served with wine. Guests will then be in for the chance to win a spot prize. We are also running a 'Donation Dash' on the night.

People are welcome to donate if they would like to be in for the chance to win some of the bigger prizes. There will also be a surprise thrown into the mix during the night! Transmitter will then take to the stage and we can dance the night away.

Áine Reams is on the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital Committee.

“We would like to thank everyone who has purchased a ticket for the Gala Ball! We are very grateful for their support of our charity. Local businesses have been phenomenal, with many donating vouchers and prizes that will be up for grabs on the night. We would like to thank each and every person who came on board as a sponsor, donated a prize for the night and indeed purchased a ticket to come on the night. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Launch of the Gala Ball in December 2023 at Portlaoise hospital.

"Without that support this event would not be possible. A special word of thanks to our Main Sponsor, Martin Reddin Ltd, who has been a huge support from the very beginning and we are very grateful.

"It’s been a long few months for the committee planning and organising the event but we are lucky to have a great team. We are really looking forward to it and can’t wait to get the dresses (and suits) out,” said Ms Reams.

Ticket sales have been fantastic with many people and businesses in the town buying a seat or table. Some tickets are still available from Áine: 0879116631, Emma: 0878568536 or John; 0877926704. Ticket collection can be arranged at the Willow Lodge Portlaoise R32 XW2W.

The Friends of Portlaoise Hospital was established in 1991 with their main aim being to enhance patient comfort in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise. Over the years they have donated a lot of equipment such as dinamap patient monitors, flatscreen TVs, PPE, foetal doppler devices, buxton chairs, donations to the End-of-Life Care Committee, contributions to the Sensory Room in Paediatrics, furnishing the Prayer Room, activity materials for patients with dementia, ultrasound scanning machine for the Maternity Unit, general furniture including armchairs and footstools to name a just few of the donations that have been made.