GAA stars from around the country will be taking on a new breed of opposition on Tuesday, August 15th in St Conelth’s Park in Newbridge as they size up against Ireland’s top jockeys as part of Hurling for Cancer Research 2017.
For the sixth year in a row, legendary racehorse trainer Jim Bolger and Gold Cup winner and two-time National Hunt Champion jockey Davy Russell will bring household names in GAA and horse racing together to take part the celebrity hurling match in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. To date the event has raised €540,000 to fund the Irish Cancer Society’s innovative cancer research projects, which include a recent breakthrough in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer.
Lining-out for the unique clash of the ash at St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge are a slew of well-known hurlers including Richie Hogan, James Cha Fitzpatrick and JJ Delaney, former soccer players Niall Quinn and Stephen Hunt, Wexford All Stars Mags Darcy and Ursula Jacob, former Mayo footballer Conor Mortimer and GAA pundits Joe Brolly and Peter Canavan.
Jim Bolger’s stars will be managed by Liam Griffin and assisted by Davy Fitzgerald, while Davy Russell’s best will be hoping for a second win in a row led by Brian Cody and assisted by Derby winning jockey Kevin Manning.
Other familiar faces at the unique puck around will be former Olympic gold medallist Ronnie Delaney who will umpire at the event with former champion jockey Michael Kinane, GAA pundit Colm O’Rourke and racing pundit Ted Walsh. RTÉ broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan and jockey Katie Walsh will be lineswomen on the evening while Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Seán Bán Breathnach will commentate on the proceedings.
Fans will have a chance to meet their sporting idols on the night and there will also be entertainment from Castlecomer Male Voice Choir and Tenor Anthony Kearns will sing the National Anthem.
Throw-in is at 6.30pm and tickets costing €10 for adults and €15 for families are currently on sale at www.cancer.ie/catalog/tickets or by phone on CallSave 1850 60 60 60. Tickets will also be on sale at the gate, on the night of the match.
All money raised will go to the Irish Cancer Society to fund researchers improving the lives of people across the country affected by cancer.