WE know the world is right again when after a two-year break, top jockeys, GAA, sporting and TV stars from around the country will line-out for the 10th renewal of the unique hurling fixture of the year, Hurling for Cancer Research, on Tuesday, August 16th at St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, Co Kildare. Jim Bolger and dual Grand National-winning jockey Davy Russell will bring a host of household names together to take part in the celebrity hurling match – all in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.

Kilkenny’s T.J. Reid, Richie Hogan and Tommy Walsh, Limerick brothers Tom and Dan Morrissey, Wexford’s Damien Fitzhenry and Lee Chin, Cork’s Ashling Thompson and her partner, Limerick’s Darragh O’Donovan and Clare’s Peter Duggan and Ryan Taylor will be among the hurling and camogie stars taking part. Also joining the teams will be former Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt and comedy duo, The 2 Johnnies.

Colleagues

Davy Russell will be joined by some of his racing colleagues such as Rachael Blackmore, Ruby Walsh, Colin Keane, Paul Townend, Shane Foley, Danny Mullins, Kevin Manning, Gordon Elliott, Jack Kennedy, Ger Lyons, Jamie Codd and former Kildare footballer turned racehorse trainer Willie McCreery.

Brian Cody and Liam Griffin will come on board as team managers while Paul McGrath, Ursula Jacob, Bernard Dunne, Ted Walsh, Miriam O’Callaghan, Anne Doyle and Dublin’s John Small are among the many stars set to lend a hand as side-line officials and umpires.

Jim Bolger’s stars have come out on top four times, and Davy Russell’s best have tasted victory twice, with the other three matches ending in draws.

To date the event has raised €1,000,000 to fund the Irish Cancer Society’s innovative cancer research projects.

Jim Bolger said: “It is a special night with a brilliant atmosphere and the players give it their all. There will be a lot of All-Ireland winners and All-Stars on the pitch, so we are in for an excellent game of hurling, for a cause that has unfortunately, touched lots of families around Ireland.”

Davy Russell commented: “The hurling championship will be over, so we will have a lot more hurlers available for selection. This could be the most competitive game yet in our 10-year history. I am working hard with my selectors to try get one over on Jim Bolger’s team.

“I’d encourage as many people and families to come along on the night. There is great pre-match entertainment lined-up and everyone will have an opportunity to meet all the players after the game for autographs and selfies.”

Kilkenny hurler Richie Hogan noted: “After spending a morning with jockey Shane Foley, I now know how competitive the racing fraternity are, so not an inch will be given the Hurling for Cancer Research match.”

There is free car parking at Whitewater Shopping Centre on production of your Hurling for Cancer Research ticket. There is additional parking in Newbridge College grounds.

Gates open at 4.30pm with pre-match entertainment and refreshments before throw-in at 6pm.

Tickets costing €10 for adults and €15 for families are currently on sale at www.HurlingForCancer.ie Tickets will also be on sale at the gate on the night. Visit www.cancer.ie.