The first centre in Ireland dedicated to checking blood pressure opens in Kilkenny.
The first blood pressure clinic in the country is launched launched in Kilkenny.
The town has been picked for the first unit of what will become a nationwide network of blood pressure detection centres.
They are being set up by the Irish Heart Foundation with the cooperation of the South Eastern Health Board.
High blood pressure affects one in every five adults.
Detection is crucial as blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.
The checks are free and available to everyone under the age of 60.
Kilkenny hurler Eddie Keher is the first to receive the specific blood pressure test in the new unit.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 15 March 1976.
