THOSE of us of a certain age can be brought back to a famous Irish sporting occasion by George Hamilton’s introduction, “It’s a warm balmy evening in Palermo…”, but it was another warm balmy evening, this time in Carlow that brought many of the great and the good from Irish sport to Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow for the annual Hurling For Cancer Research 2023 Charity Game in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

It has become an annual meeting of the hurling clan and one of the sporting events of the late summer, uniting racing and hurling for the most worthy of causes. Trainer Jim Bolger and Davy Russell’s enterprise has raised over €1.3m for cancer research to date and the event still grows each year.

The move from Newbridge to Carlow may even have added to the spectacle with excellent parking facilities and all the feedback was positive and social media images showed off the crowds.

As ever, sportstars and famous media faces were in the midst of things including Kerry’s Paudie Clifford who got great praise and acknowledgment from Jim Bolger, as he not only travelled but got into the thick of the hurling action for Jim Bolger’s Stars having played for his club footbal team Fossa on the Sunday. Rachael Blackmore, Ursula Jacob, Miriam O’Callaghan, Shane Byrne, Sean O’Brien, Stephen Hunt, Kevin Manning, Michael Duignan, Paul Nolan and Barry Geraghty were among those in attendance, some taking to the pitch and some doing umpiring duties.

Star names were hijacked for nearly an hour by young autograph hunters at half time with the likes of T.J. Reid, Kyle Hayes and Cian Lynch pictured in a swarm of young fans.

Some star names still showed how it’s done including goal keeper Damien Fitzhenry while Lee Chin showed his smooth goal scoring skills.

Davy Russell’s Best held the half-time advantage but faded a bit in the latter stages of the second half.

Jim Bolger’s Stars were indebted to Paul Scott who scored two late goals.

Interviewed by Off The Ball, Davy Russell said: “Myself and Jim didn’t think it would grow into what it is. This venue has added more to it. It’s brilliant to see the amount of people come out to support it. Cancer is in every household, unfortunately it’s an easy sell, it has touched all of us. Anytime you get the opportunity to give money back to try and cure it, every penny that is donated, goes straight to Cancer Research.”

You can still donate at Cancer.ie/research or by calling 1850 606060

On social media

Derry2545@DerryToole

Some evening at Hurling for Cancer, some atmosphere,

The Park looked amazing, kids hurling everywhere..... Special, autograph hunter’s on the field for over an hour after the match. To all involved...fantastic and worthy cause as we all know.

Darren Frehill@Darrenfrehill

I went along to see the @Hurling4cancer game last night. Pure magic. This is what it’s all about, seeing the local kids meet their heros. Well done all involved.

Tony Mullins@tonymullins84

Amazing crowd out on the pitch at half time in Dr Cullen Park during the Hurling for Cancer. People getting autographs and up close and personal with all the stars Brilliant night in Carlow.

Seán Kelly MEP@SeanKellyMEP

Fantastic evening @Hurling4cancer. Full marks to all the great players, managers & spectators. A joyous occasion for a great cause. Paidi Clifford @FossaGaa traded the umpires flag for the Hurley in 2nd. half & raised a white flag with a deft point in the process.