Jim Bolger and Davy Russell excited as €1m fundraiser returns with star line-up

Jim Bolger and Davy Russell are assembling an all-star line-up for this year's Hurling For Cancer Research charity match as the fundraiser returns with a bang next month following a two-year hiatus.

A unique event in which stars of horseracing, Gaelic games, wider sport and television unite, the 2022 fixture is a milestone tenth edition for the brainchild of Bolger and Russell.

It has already raised €1 million to fund innovative cancer research projects through the Irish Cancer Society and takes place on August 16.

Bolger said: "After a two-year break, it's great to have this back. It's a special night with a brilliant atmosphere and the players give it their all.

Hurling For Cancer takes place on August 16 at St Conleth's Park in NewbridgeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"There will be a lot of All-Ireland winners and All-Stars on the pitch, so we're in for an excellent game of hurling, for a cause that has unfortunately touched lots of families around Ireland."

A host of major racing figures will descend on St Conleth's Park in Newbridge, County Kildare for the match, including Rachael Blackmore, Ruby Walsh, Colin Keane, Paul Townend, Shane Foley, Danny Mullins, Kevin Manning, Gordon Elliott, Jack Kennedy, Ger Lyons, Jamie Codd and Willie McCreery.

Top Kilkenny hurlers TJ Reid, Richie Hogan and Tommy Walsh are already signed up for the event, as are fellow GAA stars Tom and Dan Morrissey (Limerick), Damien Fitzhenry and Lee Chin (Wexford), Peter Duggan and Ryan Taylor (Clare), Ashling Thompson (Cork) and her partner Darragh O’Donovan (Limerick).

Former Republic of Ireland midfielder Stephen Hunt and popular comedy duo The 2 Johnnies are also confirmed for the game, while Brian Cody and Liam Griffin act as team managers.

Paul McGrath, Ursula Jacob, Bernard Dunne, Ted Walsh, Miriam O'Callaghan, Anne Doyle and Dublin's John Small are among the many household names set to lend a hand as sideline officials and umpires.

Davy Russell: 'Every penny raised will go to the Irish Cancer Society'Credit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"I'd encourage as many people and families to come along on the night," said Russell.

"There's great pre-match entertainment lined up and everyone will have an opportunity to meet all the players after the game for autographs and selfies.

"Every penny raised will go to the Irish Cancer Society, a charity very close to my heart."

Tickets cost €10 for adults and €15 for families and are on sale at hurlingforcancer.ie and available at St Conleth's Park on the night.

Gates open at 4.30pm, with pre-match entertainment and refreshments before the game gets under way at 6pm.

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