'I’d never miss this game' says Patrick Horgan as Hurling for Cancer details confirmed
Some of the biggest names in hurling and Irish sport have been confirmed for this year’s Hurling for Cancer Research charity match, which returns to Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow on Monday, 24 August.
The 2026 Hurling for Cancer Research charity match line-ups have been confirmed ahead of its return to Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow on Monday, August 24 (7.30pm).
The annual sporting spectacle, supported by Centra and held in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, will once again bring together current stars such as Patrick Horgan, Ashling Thompson, TJ Reid, Jackie Tyrrell, Tommy Walsh, Walter Walsh, Grace Walsh, Darragh O’Donovan, Brian Hayes, Lee Chin, Joe Canning and Austin Gleeson.
Four-time All-Ireland winner Noel McGrath, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2015 and will again take part in the event, has spoken about the importance of the funds raised by the event in helping research deliver better treatments and survival outcomes.
“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,” said McGrath.
“These funds help research and treatment continue to improve and that’s what saves more lives.
“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.”
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The game will also feature some familiar faces from outside hurling, with Dublin football star Con O’Callaghan, former Mayo footballer Conor Mortimer and former Republic of Ireland international Stephen Hunt all set to get involved.
Fresh from her recent All-Ireland final victory, Cork camogie great Ashling Thompson, who has supported Hurling for Cancer Research since its earliest years, will once again take part and is the first woman to be in the starting lineup for a Hurling for Cancer Research match.
The charity match - the brainchild of horseracing legends Jim Bolger and Davy Russell - has raised an extraordinary €1.9 million since its foundation in 2012, ringfenced for cancer research through the Irish Cancer Society.
“I’d never miss this game,” said Patrick Horgan.
“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 autographs for the kids.
“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.” Nikki Gallagher, CEO, Irish Cancer Society added: “It’s incredible to see the array of sporting talent from across the GAA, horseracing and other spheres giving their time and commitment to Hurling for Cancer Research.
“Major sporting stars and celebrities support the event because they know how vital it is to fund lifesaving cancer research.
“We are proud to be the largest voluntary funder of cancer research in Ireland. One innovative research programme we fund is our ‘Lung Health Check Pilot’ in partnership with Beaumont Hospital and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
“This clinical trial has already saved lives. We simply can’t fund lifesaving initiatives like these without the amazing support of events like Hurling for Cancer Research.” Supporters can also purchase Hurling for Cancer Research milk cartons in Centra stores nationwide, with customers able to donate or purchase tickets by scanning the on-pack QR code.
Tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children and are available from Centra stores nationwide, at the gate on the night or by clicking here.
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