Sports stars pick up their hurleys again in aid of cancer research

On Tuesday 13th of August, a who’s who of Irish celebs will be taking to the pitch at 6.30pm in Saint Conleth’s Park, Kildare for a celebrity hurling match in aid of the Irish Cancer Society to raise money for cancer research. The event, which has been organised for the second year in a row by horseracing legend Jim Bolger and champion jockey Davy Russell, will see a host of Irish hurling and horse racing stars come together for what promises to be a fantastic day for everyone involved. This year’s event follows the amazing success of Hurling for Cancer Research 2012 which raised €123,000 for the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer research programme.

The participants, a mix of GAA and horse racing stars, include; Mark Landers, T.J. Ryan , Pat Fox, Joe Deane, Dave Bernie, Damien Fitzhenry and Charlie Carter  - all active in Racing; All Ireland minor winner James Dowling who captains team J.S.B.; Wexford all Ireland winning manager Liam Griffin; Kilkenny Manager Brian Cody; Derby winning Jockeys Kevin Manning and Michael J. Kinane; Colm O’Rourke; Gráinne Seoige; Michael O’Leary; Ronnie Delaney; Sile Seoige; Irish Sports Woman of the year, top lady jockey Katie Walsh; Niall Quinn; hurling legends D.J. Carey and Nicky English; and Cyril Farrell as Referee for the day. Irish icon Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh will be the days craoltoir. For the lesser sporting inclined among the audience, entertainment on the day will be provided by the Artane Band with Anthony Kearns singing Amhrán na bhFiann.

Professor John Fitzpatrick, Head of Cancer Research, Irish Cancer Society said “We are delighted that Jim Bolger and Davy Russell have brought together such an amazing group of people for the second Hurling for Cancer Research event. The Irish Cancer Society is committed to ensuring that quality research is funded so that every person in Ireland will have access to the best treatment possible. We have huge plans to expand our cancer research programmes even further and we rely entirely on the generosity of the public to fund our programme of cancer research. Events like this make our research possible.”

33,741 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Cancer rates are expected to rise and it is estimated that by 2020 over 40,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Ireland each year. The Irish Cancer Society is reliant on donations from the public to continue to invest in research so that those diagnosed with cancer have the best possible outcome.  The Irish Cancer Society is Ireland’s national cancer charity, committed to funding world class research. Over the last 30 years Irish Cancer Society funded research has made over 650 discoveries. In 2012, the Society invested €2,590,175 in cancer research projects across the country.

To support a great cause and come along to what is set to be a great event book your ticket now. You can order online here or by phone on CallSave 1850 60 60 60.

Tickets also available from Jim Bolger 056 444 3150 or 056 444 3158.

Tickets are €10 for adults and €15 for families. All money raised will go to the Irish Cancer Society.

For further information on the Irish Cancer Society’s Research Programme visit www.cancer.ie/research or contact the Irish Cancer Society on Call Save 1850 60 60 60.