THE Kerry Hospice Foundation launched its Christmas Card appeal on Monday night with the help of Kerry footballers, Kieran Donaghy and Aidan O’Mahony who brought along Sam Maguire.

This annual venture, sponsored by Kerry Group, hopes to raise in excess of €40,000 towards the continued development and provision of care in the Palliative Care Centre at Kerry General Hospital.

“Each year we are overwhelmed by the magnificent generosity of the Kerry people in response to Christmas Card appeal which is crucial to the work of the Kerry Hospice Foundation,” said Ted Moynihan, Kerry Hospice Foundation Chairperson.

Kieran Donaghy and Aidan O’Mahony were on hand with the Sam Maguire cup to support this year’s appeal and to say a big ‘Thank You’ to the Kerry Hospice Foundation for the comfort and support it provides to terminally-ill patients and their families in Kerry.

The Christmas card collection this year features the art work of local artist Jane Hilliard.

“We are also again very grateful for the magnificent support from Kerry Group in underwriting all the production costs associated with our Christmas card collection – ensuring all money raised from sales goes directly toward the provision of our vital services to patients and their families throughout the County” said Ted Moynihan.

Commenting at the launch, Frank Hayes, Director of Corporate Affairs, said; “Kerry Group is very pleased to be associated with this worthy cause which offers so much comfort and care to families faced with serious illness in Kerry.”