As the GAA Championship season comes to a conclusion this weekend, some of Ireland’s leading hurling and camogie stars have joined forces calling on the public to grab their tickets for the annual Hurling for Cancer Research charity match, which takes place on Monday, 24 August at Netwatch Cullen Park, Co. Carlow.

Hurling and Camogie legends Noel McGrath, Ashling Thompson, and Patrick Horgan, are all lending their support to this year’s game.

Proudly sponsored by Centra, in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, the annual Hurling for Cancer Research match is the brainchild of horseracing legends Jim Bolger and Davy Russell. Since 2011, the annual event has raised €1.9 million ringfenced for groundbreaking cancer research.

Anything that unites arch-rivals in Gaelic games to line out together, has to be for a very worthy cause. No one lining out in this month’s annual Hurling For Cancer Research game in Carlow on 24 August 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.

Centra, Ireland’s leading convenience retailer has reaffirmed its commitment to Hurling for Cancer Research again for 2026. As part of Centra’s involvement, winners of the Centra Sharpshooter Competition will take to the field at 5.30pm ahead of the main event in a series of mini matches before the action gets underway. 

You can also purchase Hurling for Cancer Research milk-cartons in Centra stores across the country, with customers able to donate or buy tickets instantly by scanning the on-pack QR code.