Hurling for Cancer fundraiser finds new home Barrowside

A charity event that was first staged in Portlaoise and which has raised over €1.3 million for cancer research is moving to Carlow. 

Hurling For Cancer Research, which was held in St Conleth's Park, Newbridge and originally in O'Moore Park Portlaoise, has made the move to Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow for 2023 due to the planned refurbishment of St Conleth's Park.

The unique hurling match will take place on Monday 21 August 2023 at 6pm and promises to be the biggest one yet. 

The event, organised annually by leading trainer Jim Bolger and former champion jockey Davy Russell, allows sports fans to rub shoulders with household names from the world of horse racing, GAA, soccer and boxing along with a host of celebrities.

A firm favourite in the calendar of hurling fanatics across the country, Hurling for Cancer Research has succeeded in raising over €1.3 million to date. These funds provide hope for cancer patients by funding life changing research, which improves outcomes for cancer patients and increases the number of cancer trials taking place in Ireland.   

Claire Kilty, Acting Head of research for the Irish Cancer Society, said: "The Irish Cancer Society is the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland and we are committed to improving the lives of people affected by cancer in Ireland through world class cancer research.

"The generous donations raised through Hurling For Cancer Research supports us to fund over 100 cancer researchers all across the country. Thanks to research advances in areas such as early detection, clinical trials and cancer survivorship, people with cancer are living for longer, and survival rates are continuing to improve, bringing us closer to a future where nobody in Ireland dies from this disease.” 

Jim Bolger is the Chairperson of Carlow GAA.

“On behalf of Carlow GAA, I would like to welcome Hurling For Cancer Research to Netwatch Cullen Park. In addition, I would like to acknowledge the great track record this initiative has had to date and we are honoured to facilitate this special hurling match, which I am sure will be a great occasion for this very worthwhile cause,” he said.

Racehorse Trainer and Hurling For Cancer Research founder, Jim Bolger, said: “We are most grateful to the Carlow County Board for stepping up at short notice to provide a fitting replacement for St Conleth’s Park. The Hurling For Cancer Research team are excited to work with Jim Bolger and his fellow board members to bring a new audience to Netwatch Cullen Park this August. With two Jim Bolgers involved, a bumper evening is guaranteed! I would like to wish St Conelth’s Park all the best on their refurbishment project.”

To purchase your individual (€10) or family (€15) ticket online or to make a donation direct to Hurling for Cancer Research and help support a great cause, please visit www.hurlingforcancer.ie. 

All funds from the sale of tickets and donations will go directly towards funding vital cancer research, bringing us closer to a future free from cancer.

For booking queries, please contact Irish Cancer Society Community Fundraiser Emma Hayden: ehayden@irishcancer.ie