Another clash of the ash in the name of Cancer Research!
Back-to-back Aintree Grand National Winning jockey Davy Russell is hoping to continue his winning streak in Newbridge this Tuesday as he seeks another prestigious double to retain the Hurling for Cancer Research title.
The annual Irish Cancer Society fundraiser takes place for the eighth time on Tuesday, August 13. A galaxy of sports stars including Ireland’s top jockeys, GAA and football heroes will line-out in St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, Kildare, for a must-see battle between Davy Russell’s Best and Jim Bolger’s Stars. Throw-in is at 6 pm.
Organised by legendary racehorse trainer Jim Bolger, Hurling for Cancer Research has raised a massive €830,000 for the Society’s vital cancer research projects since its inception in 2012.
Once again, this year’s teams are made up of a host of GAA stars and horse-racing royalty. Well-known hurlers including Lee Chin, Ollie Canning, Henry Shefflin and Cian Boland will line out as well former soccer players Niall Quinn and Stephen Hunt. Wexford camogie All-Star Ursula Jacob is on the ticket as are GAA pundits John Mullane and Michael Duignan.
Throwing in the sliotar will be legendary jockeys AP McCoy and Pat Smullen who recently made an inspirational recovery from pancreatic cancer. Liam Giffin will again take charge of Jim Bolger’s side while Brian Cody will be in charge of Russell’s side five days before the All-Ireland Hurling Final.
Umpires at the event will be Irish rugby player Tadgh Furlong, GAA personalities Colm O’Rourke and Michael Lyster, Champion National Hunt trainers Ted Walsh and Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci.
Broadcasters Miriam O’Callaghan, Síle Seoige, Anne Doyle and Irish Grand National-winning rider Katie Walsh will be lineswomen on the evening while two legends of the game Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Seán Bán Breathnach will commentate on the game.
Last year almost 6,000 people flocked to Newbridge for the event, where fans get the chance to meet their sporting idols for photos and autographs.
After Davy Russell won his second Aintree Grand National with Tiger Roll earlier this year, he dedicated his victory to former Cork footballer Kieran O’Connor, who is being treated for Ewing sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.
With the funds raised from Hurling for Cancer, the Irish Cancer Society is currently investing in vital research that aims to better understand what causes Ewing sarcoma, in the hope of one day finding more effecting ways of treating the disease.
Jim Bolger said: “Over the years Hurling for Cancer Research has grown and grown. Last year we were delighted to have the winners of 80 All-Ireland medals and over 60 All-Stars on the teams. It’s become a marvellous game of competitive hurling and a thrill to watch so many famous faces on the pitch. Davy Russell is quite a good hurler and probably would have worn the red jersey if he didn’t become a jockey!”
Jim Bolger’s Stars have come out on top three times, while Davy Russell’s Best have tasted victory twice, with the other two years ending in draws.
Davy Russell added: “What makes the match for the players is the crowd that turns up to support Hurling for Cancer Research. It’s brilliant to raise so much money for such an important charity. I love to see all the stars from different sports coming together – hurling and racing are so interconnected and everyone is so generous with their time. It’s a great night for everyone.”
Gates open at 4:30 pm with pre-match entertainment before throw-in at 6 pm.
Tickets costing €10 for adults and €15 for families are currently on sale at www.cancer.ie/catalog/tickets or you can call 1850 60 60 60. Tickets will also be on sale at the gate on the night.
