Hurling for Cancer Research hits €1m mark!
Christmas celebrations ramped up at the Leopardstown racing festival today as leading racehorse trainer Jim Bolger and Champion National Hunt jockey Davy Russell revealed that their annual celebrity hurling match has now raised over €1m for cancer research.
The duo’s Hurling for Cancer Research match has struck the mammoth fundraising milestone after 8 years, with all funds raised supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s cancer research projects.
The Irish Cancer Society relies solely on donations to fund its vital cancer research. Since 2010, the Society’s supporters have helped ensure that over €27 million has been invested in research, enabling more than 150 cancer researchers to work on a diverse range of research projects that will ultimately lead to better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer.
This year a slew of sporting stars from various disciplines took part in a hurling spectacular in front of a record crowd of 6,000 people. Amongst the sports personalities in attendance were Irish footballers Paul McGrath, Niall Quinn and Stephen Hunt, hurling legends Lee Chin, Richie Hogan, Liam Griffin and rugby stars Tadgh Furlong. From the world of horse racing were Grand National winning rider Katie Walsh, Champion National Hunt trainer Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci to name but a few.
Hurling for Cancer Research organiser, Jim Bolger said, “Cancer is unfortunately on the increase in Ireland. One way we can help stop this disease is through research, and we are so proud to be contributing to this important fight against cancer. Ireland’s sporting stars have done themselves proud by coming together to help us raise these crucial funds.”
Mark Mellett, Head of Fundraising, Irish Cancer Society said, “Each year we are struck by the immense support from the sporting community for Hurling for Cancer Research. We are hugely thankful to all involved in Hurling for Cancer Research for their dedication to funding lifesaving research in Ireland, ensuring that we are striving to provide the best diagnosis and treatment for people facing cancer.”
