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.’ • Hammer/Anvil/Stirrup will showcase the work of David Beattie, Richard Carr, Edgardo Rudnitzky and John Wayne, curated by Richard Carr, from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m.
• Mini Maestros Musicianship from 10.30 a.m. until 11.30 a.m.
• Instrument Making Workshop from 5 p.m., for ages four to 8 years. In this workshop, children will explore the history of instrument making, as well as designing their own. Booking essential as places limited, call 053 9123764.
• Sound Workshop from 5 p.m. is open to children aged ten and over, participants are invited to bring along their own favourite noisy object. Composer and musician Laura Hyland will lead the sound workshop. Booking essential as places limited, call 053 9123764.
‘• At this moment in time, this is what makes me tick’ – positive thoughts through performance by Wexford Artists Community Theatre from 7 p.m. until 7.30 p.m.
• Cáca Mílis Cabaret will perform an eclectic mix of music, spoken word, and film from 9 p.m. until 11 p.m. • Wexford Camera Club photographic exhibition of approximately 40 images, all with a Wexford theme, from 10.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m.
• Wexford Drama Group reading of Little Gem by Elaine Murphy from 4.45 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. • Poetry Reading and exhibition of photographs by Pádraig Grant and paintings from The Denis Collins Gallery from 10.30 a.m. until 9 p.m., at Lower Rowe Street. • Red Moon Creative Arts Theatre perform ‘Your Foot In My Shoe’, episode 1, at 5 p.m., for children of all ages.
• Like a Leaf from A TREE, a promenade theatre event by Riff Raff Theatre at 5.30 p.m. (and also at 8.30 p.m.) It concerns a young person’s struggle with identity and individuality. • Red Moon Creative Arts Theatre perform ‘Your Foot In My Shoe’ episode 2, from 5.50 p.m., for children of all ages.
• Ceiliúradh Chónocht an Fhómhair is a celebration of the passing year through music, song and dance at 6.15 p.m., from Craobh Loch Garman, the local branch of Comhaltas. • Red Moon Creative Arts Theatre perform ‘Your Foot In My Shoe’ episode 3, at 7.50 p.m., for children of all ages. • Discovering Drama will perform
‘ The Seven Ages of Man’ from 5 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. It includes various scenes from different plays linked by Shakespeare.
• The Gleeson School Junior Choir perform from 5.30 p.m. until 6 p.m. The choir is made up of primary school girls and boys from around Wexford.
• Word Play ensemble will do specific performances by actors, writers and directors of Word Play from 6 p.m. The ensemble piece draws from the creative talents of the local artistic community. • Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts show at 6.15 p.m. Students from the ages of 13 to 18 will grace the foyer at the National Opera House to perform an array of various dance genres. • White Feather Theatre Company present Thomas Kilroy’s ‘ The Secret Fall of Constance Wilde’ from 6.30 p.m.
• The all-adult Irish Music Ensemble from Gleeson School of Music will perform at 7 p.m. Many participants in this are only beginners. • Wexford Light Opera Society performance at 7.30 p.m. Their performance in the National Opera House for Culture Night is one of the firm favourites with the audience.
• ‘Synthesis’ at 8 p.m. ‘Synthesis’ is a showcase of the best of Wexford’s avant garde contemporary dance curated by dance artist, Dee Grant • Singer/songwriter and guitarist Ronan Morris performs from 8.30 p.m. Ronan can often be spotted busking on the Main Street of Wexford. • The Wexford Improv Group will perform at 9 p.m. The short acts will make you laugh, cry, feel ashamed and even a little bit frightened. • Take a look at different craft demonstrations by local makers from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Johns Gate Street. • Saxology at 6 p.m. Saxology is a Wexford town based group of four musicians. Their performance will include The Godfather Suite, Bohemian Rhapsody and When the Saints.
• The Wexford Male Voice Choir will perform from 7 p.m. They are renowned far and wide for