Amazing support for Laois Road to Recovery run
Friends of Portlaoise Hospital committee members Emily Maher, Ann Reams, Emma Dempsey (chair); Áine Rems and Ger Egan at the Road to Recovery run. Photo: Alf Harvey
GENEROUS crowds turned out in force for the annual Road to Recovery run, when vehicles of all shapes and sizes travelled the route in aid of Friends of Portlaoise Hospital.
The Ryan family said they were overwhelmed by amazing support for the event on Sunday 22 February, as a cheerful convoy chugged from Castletown to Portlaoise and back to help the important cause.
The family particularly thanked Mountrath fire service for leading the run from Castletown, as well as firefighters in Portlaoise who greeted them with blue sirens and blaring horns as they passed the station on the Dublin Road, making the day even more special.
Even before the event began, prizes worth over €2,000 were donated by local businesses for an auction and raffle, while the ICA provided use of their hall and Castletown Vintage supervised parking, in what was a wonderful display of community spirit.
Established by Mountrath man Toney Ryan and his family four years ago following his own health challenges, with the name Road to Recovery reflecting his personal journey through illness, treatment and recovery, the event has grown from a personal initiative into a major annual fundraiser, drawing strong support from across Laois and beyond.
Last year alone, the run raised a remarkable €6,800 for the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital voluntary group. With donations still rolling in, it is hoped that that this year’s final total will equal or even exceed 2025, helping the Friends to purchase vital equipment and improve care for patients at the hospital.
