Tipperary’s Noel McGrath and Cork’s Patrick Horgan will be among the high-profile players taking part in this year’s Hurling for Cancer Research charity match at Dr Cullen Park later this month.
The annual fundraiser, which has raised €1.9 million for the Irish Cancer Society since 2011, was the brainchild of horse racing stalwarts Jim Bolger and Davy Russell.
McGrath was diagnosed with testicular cancer 11 years ago but returned to action for both his club and county following treatment.
“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,” says McGrath.
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“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 (in the fundraiser) because of (clashes with) club matches and there was some crowd. I think it was one of their biggest ever, it’s just a brilliant event.
“The novelty of getting to play with players from different counties is one attraction, but I think the fact that it’s for cancer research is the other big one. Every player probably knows someone who has been affected by cancer in one way or another.”
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Cork camogie star Ashling Thompson, who starred in the county’s All-Ireland final win over Galway last Sunday, has lined out in the charity match every year since it’s inception and intends to play again later this month. As will her fellow Rebel, Horgan.
“I’d never miss this game,” says the Glen Rovers clubman, who retired from intercounty action last September. “I had the two Downey’s (Robert and Eoin) with me last year and I’ll be hoping to add another one to the car this time.
“When it first started, I found myself playing beside greats from Wexford and Kilkenny that I grew up watching. Anyone can turn up on the night, from any sport. We’ve had Paul McGrath umpiring and Jimmy Barry (Murphy) refereeing.
“You genuinely see and meet Irish sports stars there that you would never come across outside of this game. While we start 15 versus 15 it could end up 30 against 30 by the final whistle.”
Horgan adds: “It’s always such great fun, especially for families. Everyone stays on the pitch after to sign stuff for the kids. Hurling For Cancer Research shows that if you keep on showing up, and putting hard work into charity events, it can make a big difference.
“To hear it has raised almost €2 million so far for cancer research is just unreal. Sometimes sport is very serious when it probably shouldn’t be, but this is a night when it’s great fun for something very serious.”
*Hurling for Cancer will take place at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow on Monday, August 24th, with throw-in at 7.30pm. Tickets for the game (€10 for adults, €5 for children) can be purchased in Centra and Supervalu stores nationwide and on the Hurling for Cancer website.
