'I’d never miss this game': Cork stars on show once more for hurling cancer fundraiser

There will once again be a strong Cork presence for the annual Hurling For Cancer Research game, which takes place next Monday.

Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow is the venue for the event on August 24, which has raised €1.9m for the Irish Cancer Society since it was first inaugurated in 2011 by horseracing legends Jim Bolger and Davy Russell. With the continued support of TG4, the event will be broadcast live from 7.30pm and gates open at 5pm.

Centra has reaffirmed its commitment to Hurling for Cancer Research again for 2026. Through this collaboration, Centra will help expand the event's reach and support efforts to surpass the €2m fundraising milestone, enabling the investment in vital, life-saving cancer research.

New for 2026, Hurling for Cancer Research branded milk cartons will roll out across Centra stores nationwide, turning an everyday purchase into an easy way to support the cause, with customers able to donate or buy tickets instantly by scanning the on-pack QR code.

Ashling Thompson, fresh from winning a sixth All-Ireland camogie medal, will again be supporting the event.

“There isn’t a house that hasn’t been affected by cancer,” she said, “my uncle and grandmother have passed away from it since 2020.

“You can only imagine the help that the €1.9m that Hurling for Cancer Research has raised so far has given. Obviously, the game also creates great awareness, but the research funding that goes to the Irish Cancer Society is the biggest thing. We are now hearing of breakthroughs with certain cancers so it’s really important to keep it going.

“It’s an incredible evening. I don't think there's any other event in the country, or even across the globe maybe, where you can find so many celebrities and sports stars in the one spot, at one time, all playing for one great reason.”

Equally, Patrick Horgan is delighted to be present, along with Robert and Eoin Downey.

“I’d never miss this game,” he said.

“I had the two Downeys with me last year and I’ll be hoping to add another one or two 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.”

To buy tickets or donate, see https://www.hurlingforcancer.ie.