'Every player probably knows someone who has been affected': Hurling for Cancer Research match rolls around once more
Tipperary hurler Noel McGrath at Netwatch Cullen Park. Pic: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Noel McGrath, Ashling Thompson, and Patrick Horgan, are all lending their support to this year’s Hurling for Cancer Research match, which takes place on August 24 at Netwatch Cullen Park.
No one lining out in game will feel its significance more deeply than Tipperary’s Noel McGrath.
It is 11 years since the four-time All-Ireland winner was diagnosed with testicular cancer and his successful treatment gives him a unique insight into the event’s power and impact.
McGrath’s check-ups have recently moved to just once a year and he no longer attends them with trepidation.
Yet he admits that each one still brings a palpable sigh of relief and underlines for him the importance of science and research to improve outcomes for every person and family affected by cancer.
“You always have the thought and fear, so the check-ups give you that peace of mind to plough on and that’s why cancer research is so important,” the three-time All-Star says.
“Treatments and survival rates are getting better all the time. That’s why an event like Hurling for Cancer Research, which has raised so much money already for the Irish Cancer Society, is so important. These funds help research and treatment continue to improve and that’s what saves more lives.
“Last year was actually the first year I got to play because of (clashes with) club matches and there was some crowd. I think it was one of their biggest ever; it’s just a brilliant event,” McGrath says.
“The novelty of getting to play with players from different counties is one attraction but I think the fact that it’s for cancer research is the other big one. Every player probably knows someone who has been affected by cancer in one way or another.”
Cork Camogie star Ashling Thompson, who has made a remarkable recovery from a broken elbow to help Cork win their third Camogie Championship in four years, has lined out every year since it started for a cause close to her heart.
“Unfortunately, on the two miles of our road alone in Newtownshandrum, there probably isn’t a house that hasn’t been affected by cancer,” she explains. “My uncle and grandmother have passed away from it since 2020.
“You can only imagine the help that the €1.9 million that Hurling for Cancer Research has raised so far has given. Obviously, the game also creates great awareness, but the research funding that goes to the Irish Cancer Society is the biggest thing. We are now hearing of breakthroughs with certain cancers so it’s really important to keep it going.
“It’s an incredible evening. I don't think there's any other event in the country, or even across the globe maybe, where you can find so many celebrities and sports stars in the one spot, at one time, all playing for one great reason,” Thompson adds.
Patrick Horgan is more than happy to come out of retirement to line out alongside some inter-county rivals again this year.
“I’d never miss this game,” he enthuses. “I had the two Downey’s (Robert and Eoin) with me last year and I’ll be hoping to add another or one to the car this time.
“When it first started, I found myself playing beside greats from Wexford and Kilkenny that I grew up watching. Anyone can turn up on the night, from any sport. We’ve had Paul McGrath umpiring and Jimmy Barry’ (Murphy) refereeing!
“You genuinely see and meet Irish sports stars there that you would never come across outside of this game. While we start 15 versus 15 it could end up 30 against 30 by the final whistle.
“It’s always such great fun, especially for families. Everyone stays on the pitch after to sign stuff for the kids. Hurling For Cancer Research shows that if you keep on showing up, and putting hard work into charity events, it can make a big difference.
“To hear it has raised almost €2million so far for cancer research is just unreal.
Sometimes sport is very serious when it probably shouldn't be, but this is a night when it’s great fun for something very serious.”
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