A host of stars from sport and television will tog out in Kildare next week in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
Horse racing legends Jim Bolger and Davy Russell have gathered the troops again for the annual Hurling for Cancer Research match on August 13 at St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge.
The fundraiser has already generated €830,000 for the Society’s vital research projects since it began in 2012.
And around 6,000 people are expected to flock to Newbridge once more to see an unique clash of the ash.
Grand National winner Russell will call on the likes of legendary hurlers Brendan Cummins, Larry O'Gorman, JJ Delaney and Shane Dowling, former Mayo footballer Conor Mortimer and ex-Ireland striker Niall Quinn.
This team will be managed by Kilkenny manager Brian Cody - just five days before his Cats take on Tipperary in the All-Ireland final.
Top trainer Bolger has in his ranks more hurling legends in Damien Fitzhenry, Jackie Tyrell, Ollie Canning, Lee Chin and Eddie Brennan, GAA pundit Michael Duignan and former Ireland winger Stephen Hunt.
Throwing in the match will be 20-time champion jump jockey AP McCoy and fellow rider Pat Smullen who recently completed an inspirational recovery from pancreatic cancer
Umpires at the event will be Irish rugby star Tadgh Furlong, GAA broadcasters Colm O’Rourke and Michael Lyster, trainers Ted Walsh and Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci.
TV stars Miriam O’Callaghan, Sile Seoige and Anne Doyle and Irish Grand National winning rider Katie Walsh will be lineswomen, while Micheal O Muircheartaigh and Sean Ban Breathnach will commentate on the game.
Event organiser 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!”
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.”
There will be entertainment on the night from the Garda Band, tenor Anthony Kearns and multi-instrumental musician and accordionist Liam O’Connor.
Gates will open at 4.30pm with pre-match entertainment before throw-in at 6pm.
Tickets costing €10 for adults and €15 for families are currently on sale at www.cancer.ie/catalog/tickets or 1850 60 60 60. Tickets will also be on sale at the gate on the night.
Hurling for Cancer Research teams
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Davy Russell’s Best 1 Brendan Cummins (Tipperary) 2 Larry O’Gorman (Wexford) 3 J.J. Delaney (Kilkenny) 4 Davy Russell (Cork) 5 Ashling Thompson (Cork) 6 Chris Crummey (Dublin) 7 Joe Lyng (Kilkenny) 8 Jamie Barron (Waterford) 9 Padraig Mahony (Waterford) 10 Cian Boland (Dublin) 11 Shane Dowling (Limerick) 12 Mikey Fogarty (Wexford) 13 Brian Carroll (Offaly) 14 Niall Quinn (Dublin) 15 Conor Mortimer (Mayo) Manager: Brian Cody Assistant: Kevin Manning |
Jim Bolger’s Stars 1 Damien Fitzhenry (Wexford) 2 Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny) 3 Jackie Tyrell (Kilkenny) 4 Ollie Canning (Galway) 5 Michael Duignan (Offaly) 6 Matthew O’Hanlon (Wexford) 7 Johnny Fogarty (Wexford) 8 Liam Óg McGovern (Wexford) 9 Lee Chin (Wexford) 10 Aidan Fogarty (Kilkenny) 11 Conor McDonald (Wexford) 12 Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny) 13 Charlie Carter (Kilkenny) 14 Ursula Jacob (Waterford) 15 Stephen Hunt (Wexford) Manager: Liam Griffin Assistants: Davy Fitzgerald, Dave Bernie |
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