St Conleth’s park was absolutely hopping.
The sixth annual ‘Hurling for Cancer’ game took place in Newbridge on Wednesday night as hurling, camogie and soccer legends past and present pitted their skills against one another under the stewardship of horseracing’s top personalities.
Quite a combination.
The game originated from the efforts of flat-racing trainer, the Kilkenny based Jim Bolger and National Hunt jockey Davy Russell.
Up until last night, they had raised over €600’000 for the charity.
The games began at 6:30 in the Kildare grounds and the atmosphere looked to have been electric, with Irish football legend Paul McGrath amongst the 3’800 spectators watching former internationals Niall Quinn and Stephen Hunt in action.
Don't want to preempt my move but I think The cats out of the bag, Wexford have a new centre back, starting training in October 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/KlcDXXQxik
— Paul McGrath (@Paulmcgrath5) August 15, 2017
There was a litany of stars on both teams from Lee Chin, to Charlie Carter to Ursula Jacob and player manager Davy Russell.
What a fantastic line up for this evening's match. Good luck to Ursula, Martin & Liam. Hope everyone has a great evening #hurlingforcancer pic.twitter.com/M7qpSO1RKW
— Oulartballaghcamogie (@oulartbcamogie) August 15, 2017
As it turned out, Jim Bolger’s boys edged out Russell’s army in what was a high scoring thriller dominated by attacking class, and some defensive mishaps from both sides.
Brilliant night at #hurlingforcancer. Jim Bolger's team 7:21 (42) edges out @_Davy_Russel_'s team 8:13 (37). Thanks everyone for supporting pic.twitter.com/kYzW18c3wJ
— HurlingForCancer 🎗 (@Hurling4cancer) August 15, 2017
They were helped along the way by some heroics from Wexford legend Damien Fitzhenry who demonstrated that class really is permanent with a brilliant penalty save, which was followed up by a typically fiery Fitzhenry clearance.
Great save by Damien Fitzhenry @Hurling4cancer #hurling4cancer pic.twitter.com/hzP0KcSkmB
— Sarah Nash (@sarahagavin) August 15, 2017
There were two famous umpires by Fitzhenry’s side as he performed his heroics, in Ireland’s most successful National Hunt owner and trainer combination in Rich Ricci and Willie Mullins.
Great umpires at the match tonight @Hurling4cancer pic.twitter.com/eMj5g1yxBa
— Steph Searle (@stephsearle90) August 15, 2017
It’s a great occasion with a great cause.
