2026 Hurling for Cancer Research match launched
Ursula Jacob and Noel McGrath were at the launch for Hurling For Cancer at Netwatch Cullen Park
The 2026 Hurling for Cancer Research match, which will raise vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society, has been launched byCentra, Ireland’s leading convenience retailer and proud supporters of Hurling for Cancer Research.
The match will take place on Monday, 24th August 2026 at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, where some of horse racing, hurling and camogie’s biggest names will line out alongside stars from across the sporting and entertainment community. With the continued support of TG4, the event will be broadcast live from 7.30pm and gates open at 5pm.
Founded by horse racing legends Jim Bolger and Davy Russell in 2011, all proceeds from the event will go to Irish Cancer Society research, helping to fund vital research initiatives for people affected by cancer across Ireland.
Hurling for Cancer Research has become one of Ireland’s most recognised sporting charity events, bringing together leading figures from across all Irish sports and entertainment in support of a crucial cause. Over the past 15 years, the event has raised close to €2 million for the Irish Cancer Society, helping to fund groundbreaking cancer research.
Centra has reaffirmed its commitment to Hurling for Cancer Research again for 2026. Through this collaboration, Centra will help expand the event's reach and support efforts to surpass the €2 million fundraising milestone, enabling the Irish Cancer Society to continue investing in vital, life-saving cancer research.
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.
New for 2026, Hurling for Cancer Research branded milk cartons will roll out across Centra stores nationwide, turning an everyday purchase into an easy way to support the cause, with customers able to donate or buy tickets instantly by scanning the on-pack QR code.
Des O’Mahony, Director of Strategy & Business Planning, said:
“Centra are incredibly proud to continue our collaboration with the Hurling for Cancer Research charity match in 2026, supporting an event that has made a real and lasting impact in raising vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society. As a community retailer at the heart of towns and villages across Ireland, supporting initiatives that bring communities together and make a meaningful difference is something we are passionate about.
This year, we’re focused on helping drive that impact even further by raising vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society and to push the total raised by Hurling for Cancer Research beyond €2 million. Through our nationwide milk carton activation in Centra stores, we’re giving customers a simple, everyday way to get behind the cause and help make a difference.
We’re also looking forward to welcoming the winners of our Centra Sharpshooter Competition to Netwatch Cullen Park, giving them the chance to showcase their skills and be part of a very special event that celebrates community, sport and the power of people coming together for a shared purpose.” Hurling for Cancer Research Co-Founders, Jim Bolger and Davy Russell said:
“Every year the support for Hurling for Cancer Research charity match gets from players and supporters is very special. With Centra’s support, this year we have an unbelievable line-up of hurlers, jockeys, sporting and entertainment greats putting their rivalries aside for a phenomenal cause. When you look at the stars who have committed to play this year and see the effort everyone makes, especially TG4 and Fogarty Fenwick TV Production who help us amplify the game and its great cause, it shows exactly what this country can achieve when we come together. Proceeds from every ticket bought go directly to the Irish Cancer Society to support cancer research. We look forward to another exciting match in Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow on Monday August 24th."
Dr. Claire Kilty, Head of Cancer Research, Irish Cancer Society, said:
“The Irish Cancer Society is incredibly proud to be largest voluntary sector funder of cancer research in Ireland. There isn’t a family who hasn’t been touched by cancer. 1 in 2 of us will unfortunately receive a cancer diagnosis in our lifetimes. When we do, we deserve the best possible chance of surviving this disease. Thankfully, more and more people are now surviving cancer thanks to sustained and ongoing investment in groundbreaking cancer research.
None of this investment is possible without amazing initiatives like Hurling for Cancer Research. Each and every year we are blown away by how this event is growing and capturing the imagination of the Irish public. It’s a game for all the family to enjoy and we hope as many people as possible get their tickets or tune in live on TG4. A huge thank you to Centra, who once more are supporting Hurling for Cancer Research.”
Tickets are €10 for adults and €5 for children and are available for sale in select Centra and SuperValu GAA Ticket Agent stores and via www.hurlingforcancer.ie.
Gates open at 5pm.
Designed by Cúl Sliotars, you can pick up your Hurling for Cancer Research jerseys here or at CúlSliotars.ie for €50 with 10% from each jersey sold donated directly to the Irish Cancer Society.
All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will directly support The Irish Cancer Society’s life-saving cancer research.
