IT’S always a major night of fun and entertainment as Friends of University Hospital Kerry  get set for their annual Gala Benefit Night this weekend.

Sponsored by Kerry Group, the event will take place on Friday, July 7, at Kingdom Greyhound Stadium.

This year marks the 27th anniversary of the fundraising programme, which has raised in excess of €2 million since its inauguration in 1991. Tickets for the event are €5 and organisers are promising a great night’s entertainment.

The group hope to raise €100,000 and hope to buy equipment for the hospital’s cardiac unit.

Consultant Cardiologist, Dr Louis Keary said that the only Echocardiogram at University Hospital Kerry is already working over capacity and that there is an urgent need for a second machine.

Over the years, funds raised have been used for the provision of essential equipment at the hospital, which delivers critical services to families throughout County Kerry, West Limerick and North Cork.

Examples of equipment donated to date include; CT and DEXA Scanners, cardiac and paediatric technologies and Laparoscopic equipment for keyhole surgery, as well as numerous other important pieces impacting almost every department.