'Too expensive' Laois charity gala ball not returning this year

For the second year, Laois will be missing a glamorous charity gala ball on the autumn events calendar.

For 17 years, Portarlington friends Maria Corcoran, Marie Molloy and Colette Kennedy put on a huge night of entertainment at the Killenard hotel for the community.

The last one was held in 2023, when Laois native and RTÉ star Claire Byrne returned for the third year as special guest to raise money for the future Midlands Hospice. The hospice is at planning stage with Offaly County Council.

Maria Corcoran told the Leinster Express / Laois Live why the ball is not taking place again this year.

"We decided to leave it for a while. People are saying to us that they have nothing to get dressed up for now, but you never known what we might think up next," she said.

Marie revealed that the margin they were making had become smaller, with costs creeping up.

"It became too expensive, we were doing it to raise money for the charities," she said.

While the ladies' efforts raised thousands towards the Midlands Hospice, construction has still not begun on the site in Tullamore.

"It's very disappointing but that's nothing to do with us. I am sure the money we raised will go towards building it eventually," she said.

Over the years, they raised huge sums for Laois charities including Lourdes trips, senior citizens Christmas parties, mental health, St Francis School and the Kolbe Centre. There was great fun and glamour too, with special guests like celebrity solicitor Gerald Kean and his then partner, the late model Lisa Murphy. 

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"We had great craic swapping dresses, everyone would be supporting local businesses getting their hair and makeup done and buying outfits.  We enjoyed doing it.

"I would like to thank everyone so much who supported us through the years. Going forward you never know what we will plan," she said.

Look back on photos from the 2022 Killenard Gala Ball

Maria is looking forward to one lovely local night out this December.

"We will have our Portarlington Senior Citizens party on December 14 in the Heritage Killenard. We are all looking forward to that," she said.