Hurling for Cancer Research charity match returns this month
The annual event has raised almost €2m for cancer research since its first staging in 2011
As the GAA Championship season came to a conclusion last weekend, some of Ireland’s leading hurling and camogie stars have joined forces calling on the public to grab their tickets for the annual Hurling Cancer Research charity match, which takes place on Monday, August 24 at Netwatch Cullen Park, Co. Carlow.
Legends of the game such as Noel McGrath, Ashling Thompson and Patrick Horgan are all lending their support to this year’s edition.
Proudly sponsored by Centra, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, the annual Hurling for Cancer Research match is the brainchild of horse racing legends Jim Bolger and Davy Russell.
Since 2011, the annual event has raised €1.9 million ringfenced for groundbreaking cancer research. Anything that unites arch-rivals in Gaelic games to line out together, has to be a very worthy cause.
No one lining out in this month’s Hurling for Cancer Research game will feel its significance more deeply than Tipperary’s Noel McGrath. It’s been 11 years since the four-time All-Ireland winner was diagnosed with testicular cancer and his successful treatment gives him a unique insight into the event’s power and impact.
McGrath’s check-ups have recently moved to just once a year and he no longer attends them with trepidation.
Yet he admits that each one still brings a palpable sigh of relief and underlines for him the importance of science and research to improve outcomes for every person and family affected by cancer.
“You always have the thought and fear, so the check-ups give you that peace of mind to plough on and that’s why cancer research is so important,” he said
“Treatments and survival rates are getting better all the time. That’s why an event like Hurling for Cancer Research, which has raised so much money already for the Irish Cancer Society, is so important.”
“These funds help research and treatment continue to improve and that’s what saves more lives. Last year was actually the first year I got to play because of clashes with club matches and there was some crowd,” he added.
Camogie star Ashling Thompson, who made a remarkable recovery from a broken elbow to help Cork win Sunday’s All-Ireland camogie final and pick up a seventh medal, has lined out every year at Hurling for Cancer Research since it started for a cause close to her heart.
“Unfortunately, on the two miles of our road alone in Newtownshandrum, there probably isn’t a house that hasn’t been affected by cancer,” she outlines. “My uncle and grandmother have passed away from it since 2020.”
“You can only imagine the help that the €1.9 million that Hurling for Cancer Research has raised so far has given. Obviously the game also creates great awareness, but the research funding that goes to the Irish Cancer Society is the biggest thing.”
Tickets can be purchased in Centra stores nationwide.