Star-studded line-up confirmed for Hurling for Cancer Research 2026

2026 Hurling for Cancer Research takes place at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow on Monday, 24 August

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.

Proudly supported by Centra and held in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, the annual sporting spectacle will once again bring together current stars, All-Ireland winners and legends of the game for a night of entertainment in support of groundbreaking cancer research.

Among the hurling and camogie greats confirmed to take part are TJ Reid, Patrick Horgan, Noel McGrath, Ashling Thompson, Jackie Tyrrell, Tommy Walsh, Walter Walsh, Grace Walsh, Darragh O’Donovan, Brian Hayes, Lee Chin, Joe Canning and Austin Gleeson.

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 is the brainchild of horseracing legends Jim Bolger and Davy Russell and, since its foundation in 2012, has raised an extraordinary €1.9 million, ringfenced for cancer research through the Irish Cancer Society.

Hurling for Cancer Research has become one of the most unique fixtures in the Irish sporting calendar, with county rivalries put aside for an evening that regularly brings together many of the country’s best-known sporting personalities.

Four-time All-Ireland winner Noel McGrath, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2015, 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,” McGrath said.

“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.”

Nikki Gallagher, CEO, Irish Cancer Society said, “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.”

Cork legend Patrick Horgan said the unique atmosphere is what continues to bring Ireland’s biggest sporting names back year after year.

“I’d never miss this game,” Horgan said.

“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.”

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.

The main Hurling for Cancer Research match throws in at 7.30pm on Monday, 24 August at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow.

Hurling for Cancer Research would also like to extend a special thanks to TG4 for its continued valued support of the event.

Tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children and are available from Centra stores nationwide, on www.hurlingforcancer.ie or at the gate on the night.

The full list of names taking part in this year’s event will be announced ahead of the game.

All proceeds will support the Irish Cancer Society’s vital cancer research.