Sporting legends tog out for cancer fundraiser

BROADCASTER and rugby pundit George Hook will line out with the voice of the GAA, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, for a special cancer fundraiser in Cork next month.

The evening of chat and comedy, which will appeal to sports fans, will feature some of Ireland’s greatest sporting names, including Kilkenny hurling all-star Henry Shefflin, Cork hurling goalkeeper Donal Óg Cusack, Kerry footballer Dara Ó Sé, and rugby legend Donal Lenihan.

Hook and Lenihan will go head-to-head on rugby, Joe Brolly and Donal Óg Cusack will debate the state of the GAA, and Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh will interview Shefflin and Ó Sé.

With music from John Spillane, the evening will be capped off with a special tribute to Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

The event at Cork Opera House, which is being organised by the MUH Foundation and Glen Rovers GAA club, will be hosted by comedian Alan Shortt, with all funds going to the Testicular Cancer Diagnosis and Care Unit at the Mercy University Hospital.

Micheál Sheridan, chief executive of the MUH Foundation, said sports fan shouldn’t miss it.

“George Hook and Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh have been synonymous with their respective codes for decades,” he said. “It’s a unique opportunity for sports fans to have some of Ireland’s leading sports stars interviewed by two leading sports personalities.”

All the proceeds from tickets bought directly from the MUH Foundation will go its Testicular Cancer Appeal, while 50% of ticket proceeds from the Opera House will go to the unit.

Testicular cancer mainly affects men aged between 15 and 44. MUH’s planned testicular cancer diagnosis and care unit will fast-track the early diagnosis and treatment of this cancer. It will only take two or three days from a referral from a GP to seeing a consultant and getting a scan.

* Tickets for the February 11 event, priced at €50, from the MUH Foundation on 021-427 4076. A block of 10 tickets can be bought for €450.