Hurling For Cancer Research 2020 goes virtual

Due to Covid-19, Hurling For Cancer Research, the annual charity hurling match between a host of racing, GAA, sports stars and TV personalities, is going virtual for 2020.

Instead of Jim Bolger’s and Davy Russell’s teams lining-out in St Conleth’s Park on Tuesday, August 11, a host of stars will take part in a virtual hurling skills challenge to raise much needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer research.

Those taking part in the virtual hurling skills challenge are: Frankie Dettori, Davy Russell, Lee Chin, Richie Hogan, Ursula Jacob, Marty Morrissey, Ruby Walsh, AP McCoy, Miriam O’Callaghan, Ger Lyons, Shane Foley, Willie Mullins, Danny Mullins, Paul McGrath, Ashling Thompson, Tommy Walsh and Cian Boland. Everyone’s hurling challenges will be shared on social media.

Those participating in the challenge are asked to donate what would have been the match ticket price of €10 to the Irish Cancer Society to help the charity continue their vital work to improve the lives of those affected by cancer.

The challenge is for everyone and getting involved and showing your support for cancer patients and their families is simple:

1. Make a donation via: www.justgiving.com/hurlingforcancer
2. Share your skill on Instagram or Twitter, tagging Hurling For Cancer and Irish Cancer Society (@Hurling4cancer and @irishcancerSoc on Twitter and @hurling4cancer and @irishcancersociety on Instagram) with the hashtag #hurlingforcancer
3. Nominate three friends to take on the challenge and show us their skillIf showing your skills online isn’t your thing, you can still support Hurling For Cancer Research and pick up some once in a lifetime memorabilia and experiences via a dedicated online auction.

The full list of auction items is now available to view at www.galabid.com/hurlingforcancer and closes on Tuesday August 11 at 6:30pm, on what should have been throw-in time for the 2020 renewal.

Cúl Sliotars have partnered with Hurling For Cancer Research to produce a limited edition sliotar featuring the signatures of sporting legends including, Niall Quinn, Sonia O’Sullivan, Shane Lowry, Frankie Dettori, Paul McGrath and Padraig Harrington, as well as some broadcasting heavy-weights including Miriam O’Callaghan, Micheál O’Muircheartaigh and Anne Doyle.  Only 500 Cúl Sliotars are available to purchase for €25 at: www.galabid.com/hurlingforcancer

Racehorse trainer and Hurling For Cancer Research founder, Jim Bolger, said: 

“We are living through unprecedented times and adapting to our new normal. However, the life-saving work of the Irish Cancer Society and all the services they provide, still continues. All charities have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but I would appeal to everyone to donate what they can, buy a limited edition Cúl Sliotar or perhaps bid on an auction item. Every penny raised with go to the Irish Cancer Society.  Unfortunately, everyone has been touched by cancer and it is only through the vital research work conducted by the Irish Cancer Society that we can combat this terrible disease.”

Two-time Aintree Grand National Winning Jockey, Davy Russell, commented: 

“I really look forward to Hurling For Cancer Research every year. It is a brilliant game for everyone taking part and those watching on from the stands. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the match can’t take place this year, but the hurling skills challenge is a great way to stay involved in the game and support the Irish Cancer Society. Hopefully, we will see some of the hurling skills on show at next year’s game. Jim and I would really appreciate if you could support our fundraising this year by either buying a Cúl Sliotar, make any donation you can afford or bid on some of the fantastic auction items.”

Dr Robert O’Connor, Director of Research with the Irish Cancer Society, said, 

“Hurling For Cancer Research is such a highlight on our calendar each year, helping to raise vital funds and really bringing people together. We will miss the match this year and we are so pleased to see the event go virtual.

“Research remains one of the single biggest ways that we can help even more people overcome cancer. As we adjust to the new reality of today’s world, the researchers in our hospitals and labs supported by this event remain as dedicated as ever to delivering ground-breaking research. It is events like Hurling For Cancer Research which help make our work towards a future where nobody dies from cancer possible.”