Davy Russell calls for Normal People star to support Hurling for Cancer drive

It's a case of hurling people looking for Normal People as Davy Russell has invoked the support of Paul Mescal – the star of the lockdown television hit – in a bid to raise the profile of this year's Hurling for Cancer fundraising drive.

The Covid-19 restrictions mean that the initiative, which Russell has been to the fore in actively promoting along with Jim Bolger since its inception in 2010, will this year move to an online-only event.

It had previously drawn massive crowds to St Conleth's Park in Newbridge, and, after a record attendance of 6,000 in 2019, it hit the magic €1 million mark in terms of aggregate money raised for the Irish Cancer Society.

In the past, football legends like Paul McGrath and Niall Quinn and GAA heroes such as Brian Cody and DJ Carey have joined forces with racing's own high-profile figures like Ruby Walsh and Rich Ricci to raise awareness of the cause.

This time, a virtual skills challenge and online auction will be the main fundraising aspects, and Russell has put the call out for Mescal to get behind the initiative when completing his own challenge at Galway this week.

Mescal, who won an All Ireland minor football medal with Kildare in 2013 and captained the team a year later, has over 158,000 Twitter followers in the wake of Normal People's global success.

Russell also called upon Frankie Dettori and Irish athletics titan Sonia O'Sullivan before completing his skill, which paled slightly alongside that of Kilkenny stalwart Richie Hogan.

Rich Ricci gets a hand with his umpire's coat from Jim BolgerCredit: Patrick McCann

Russell's amounted to a catch, turn and what's known as an aimless 'Hail Mary' strike "down into the forwards", as he put it, while Hogan nonchalantly bounced a sliotar on the side of his hurley before displaying Ronaldo-esque control and technique by bouncing it over his head and then flicking it back with the underside of his foot.

Among the items being auctioned are a morning on the gallops with Ger Lyons or Johnny Murtagh, course walks with Rachael Blackmore or Kevin Manning, a helicopter flight and a year's subscription to the Racing Post.

The best performers so far are a tour of Karlswood Stables and lunch with international showjumper Cian O'Connor at €300 and a similar Coolmore Stud offering in the company of Jane Mangan at €250.

“We are living through unprecedented times and adapting to our new normal," Bolger said of Hurling for Cancer's online switch.

"However, the life-saving work of the Irish Cancer Society and all the services they provide, still continues. All charities have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but I would appeal to everyone to donate what they can, buy a limited edition Cul Sliotar or perhaps bid on an auction item.

"Every penny raised with go to the Irish Cancer Society. Unfortunately, everyone has been touched by cancer and it is only through the vital research work conducted by the Irish Cancer Society that we can combat this terrible disease.”

Those participating in the online challenge are asked to donate what would have been the match ticket price of €10. The full list of auction items is available to view at and closes on Tuesday, August 11 at 6.30pm, on what should have been throw-in time for the 2020 game.

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