Kilkenny hurling star calls on people to join the fight against cancer

(L-R) TJ Reid, Ursula Jacobs, Rachael Blackmore and Danny Mullins

placeholder image — (L-R) TJ Reid, Ursula Jacobs, Rachael Blackmore and Danny Mullins

The Hurling for Cancer Research exhibition game will take place on Monday, August 18, in Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow

This year's instalment of the Hurling for Cancer Research exhibition game is set to take place at 7:30pm on Monday, August 18 in Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow. All proceeds raised from the event will support the Irish Cancer Society and the life-saving research they do.

Hurling for Cancer Research have also announced a new partnership with Centra, Ireland's leading convenience retailer, to raise vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

Kilkenny hurling superstar TJ Reid has taken time out from his All-Ireland semi-final preparation to put out a clarion call for the charity event, which is especially close to his heart.

It has been ten years since the seven-time All-Ireland winner first showcased his skills in the fundraiser, which has already earned over €1.6m. Reid went on to get involved in the annual Hurling For Cancer Research game.

“Obviously cancer affects all families across Ireland. It comes to everyone’s doorstep," the Ballyhale star said. "In the past, I’ve had relations who’ve had cancer and some who have passed away."

Reid used his influence to recruit many of the country’s top hurlers and has been central to swelling the crowd. The event uniquely brings hurling and sporting rivals together as teammates for one night only and fans get to mingle with their heroes on the pitch afterwards.

“It’s become a very special day in the calendar, especially for the kids, but also because it creates so much awareness about cancer, especially among men,” Reid explained. “I’m always telling males, especially men over 40, to go and get their bloods done and get their prostate checked. It only takes 10 minutes at your doctor’s and those 10 minutes could potentially save your life.

“The game’s obviously not competitive in one sense. It’s nice to just come out and express your skills and a great day to share a dressing room with past and present legends of the game and from other sports too. Last year was the biggest year because we had the biggest names, players like (Limerick’s) Cian Lynch, Gearoid Hegarty, Tom Morrissey and some of the Clare lads.

"It’s getting harder now to get a spot,” he admitted with a grin. “You could have 15 great hurlers on the bench now, waiting for a game. It's a day you want to be on your toes because it's a day you could be easily embarrassed.”

Boxer Bernard Dunne, soccer internationals Shane Long and Stephen Hunt, camogie star Ursula Jacob and jockeys Rachael Blackmore and Danny Mullins are also among its passionate supporters.

The event was the brainchild of racing trainer Jim Bolger and jockey Davy Russell 14 years ago. With Centra now on board, tickets are even easier to access as they are available from selected Centra and SuperValu GAA ticket agent stores and online at www.hurlingforcancer.ie

Noreside native Mullins, one of jump racing's great dynasties, says the central venue makes it doubly attractive. “So often these events are in Dublin, Cork or Galway, but to have all these stars come to Carlow is brilliant. It's on a lot of people’s doorsteps, just a short drive from Kilkenny, Kildare, Wicklow or Tipperary.

“I'm one of the lucky few who hasn't had cancer knock on our door yet, but you know inevitably that it’s going to come at some stage and you want to do your bit," Mullins added. "It’s a really great evening of fun but for a very serious cause.

"I'll go into the battle with four legs underneath me, but unfortunately horses are no help to me on a hurling pitch,” he quipped.

Centra Director of Strategy & Business Planning Des O’Mahony said their involvement is a natural extension of their partnership with the Irish Cancer Society and 16-year sponsorship of the All-Ireland hurling championship.

"At Centra, we’re delighted to stand alongside Hurling for Cancer Research in a partnership that reflects our deep-rooted commitment to local communities," says O'Mahony. "This initiative brings together two causes that reflect our values at Centra – the passion for hurling and the critical need to support life-saving cancer research.

"Teaming up for this powerful cause allows us to champion community spirit on the pitch while fuelling families across Ireland,” he concludes.

Tickets for the event are priced at €10 for adults and €5 for children, and can be purchased at selected Centra and SuperValu GAA Ticket Agent stores or online at www.hurlingforcancer.ie.

You can also get your very own Centra Hurling for Cancer Game Day Jersey from Cul Sliotars (https://www.culsliotars.ie/vintage-collection/ for just €50, with 10% going to Hurling for Cancer Research.

All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go directly towards funding life-saving cancer research.