Woman hospitalised following a two-vehicle collision at Killarney Bridge, Thomastown, County Kilkenny / Picture: An Garda Síochána (File Photo)
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16 Feb 2026
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16 Feb 2026
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Maria can no longer play the sports she adored such as camogie (pictured) and lawn tennis, but still remains as cheerful as she can be despite regular bouts of unimaginable agony
Bowie Day, Ryan’s Bar’s annual celebration of the Starman returns to Friary Street on Saturday, February 28.
From 9.30pm a stellar lineup of local talent hits the front bar to raise funds for Maria Hogan’s AVC surgery.
The Bowie fundraiser in Ryan's on Friary Street features a number of popular acts including the Dreamers and house-band The Diamond Dogs with special guests; Sylvia Knox, Jan Murphy, John Mayer, Aoife Meagher, John Cristina and Captain Anchor. All proceeds from the night will go to the fund for Maria Hogan’s AVC surgery.
17-year-old Maria Hogan from Kilkenny City suffers from multiple serious abdominal vascular compressions (AVC) that severely restrict blood flow to major organs. This is causing constant pain, dangerous dizziness, severe nausea and vomiting and risks to her heart, kidneys and digestive system.
Maria urgently needs specialist care to prevent further organ damage and stabilise her health.
Unfortunately this specialist surgery which is not available in Ireland and Maria must travel abroad to an expert in vascular decompression.
Her father, Damien said that Maria is due to undergo surgery tomorrow (February 17).
"We are naturally afraid and nervous for her, but we know the time has come to move forward and give her the best possible chance.
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We wanted to keep everyone who has been so kind and generous informed. Your support has carried us through this journey and we are deeply grateful it truly means more than words can say," he said.
READ MORE: Kilkenny teen is fighting 'just to keep going' as fundraiser launched
The local community in Kilkenny have rallied around Maria and her family and to date over €104,000 has been raised to help cover the cost of Maria's surgery and related costs, such as travel and rehabilitation.
Ryan’s Bar will also host a table quiz on Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30pm, €20 for a table of four!
Donations can be made through the Fund Maria Hogan’s AVC Surgery on gofundme.
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