Charity match raises €160,000
OYLEGATE horse trainer Jim Bolger played a key role in raising €160,000 for the Irish Cancer Society.
Hurling for Cancer Research 2017, a celebrity hurling match organised by Bolger and Gold Cup winner and two-time National Hunt Champion jockey Davy Russell, has racked-up €160,000 for the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer research.
In the six years of the event, which sees past and present sporting stars from GAA, hurling and soccer take to the pitch, €700,000 has been raised to fund researchers working on life-saving cancer research.
This year a record crowd of almost 4,000 descended on St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, as sporting stars from around the country flocked to the pitch for the clash of the ash. Amongst the household names lining-out were Wexford GAA greats Lee Chin, Martin Storey, Ursula Jacob and Mags D’Arcy as well as TJ Reid, JJ Delaney, Tommy Walsh, Joe Deane, Ollie Canning and Peter Canavan, Representing racing was champion trainer Willie Mullins and leading owner Rich Ricci, leading lady rider Katie Walsh, champion amateur jockey Jamie Codd (Wexford), Mikey Fogarty (Wexford) and Shane Foley. Former Ireland international soccer stars Niall Quinn and Stephen Hunt who has strong Wexford connections also took to the pitch while their former colleague Paul McGrath who lives in Ferns was on the sideline.
Cyril Farrell and Jimmy Barry Murphy acted as referees and RTÉ’s Miriam O’Callaghan was a sideline official. Henry Shefflin and Marty Morrissey also lent their support.
Victory on the night went to Jim Bolger’s Star’s managed by former Wexford hurling boss Liam Griffin and assisted by current Wexford boss, Davy Fitzgerald. They beat Davy Russell’s Best, managed by Kilkenny’s Brian Cody and Kevin Manning by 7-21 to 8-13.
Jim Bolger said: ‘We enjoyed a phenomenal game of hurling this year with the largest attendance and the highest scoring game since its inception. ‘However, the biggest victory of all is raising so much money to support the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer research. Cancer is a disease that has unfortunately touched almost every family. One way we can fight back against this disease is through cancer research, and by discovering new and better ways to diagnose and treat cancer. It’s heartening to see so many sporting legends take to the pitch and show their support for the work of the Irish Cancer Society.’