Hurling For Cancer game proves a success again

A huge logistical effort which was a massive success.

These were the sentiments of Peter McConnon, the Head of Operations of Carlow GAA who was delighted with the success of the Hurling for Cancer Research hurling match which took place in Netwatch Cullen Park on Monday 12 August.

Some of the finest hurlers and camogie players took part in the event which attracted over 6,000 people to the venue.

For the second year in a row Jim Bolger, racehorse trainer and former jockey, Davy Russell selected All-Star teams went head to head with the large crowd enjoying every minute of the action. It wasn’t just about the players with sports stars from other sporting platforms officiating and just being present on the evening in their support for a great cause. The match was also broadcasted live on TG4.

“We estimate in around 5,550-6000 people paid to get in. With the turnstiles it was just 6,000 but with children it was a lot more,” said McConnon.

At the time or writing, the high-ranking officer was unable to say how much was raised but he would be tying in with Hurling for Cancer Research organisers to establish a final figure.

He paid tribute to the work of locals who worked so hard to ensure visitors received a big welcome.

“Everybody seems very happy with it. A huge thanks to the clubs and the businesses around Netwatch Cullen Park for providing facilities for parking. When you have people coming to a match like that, they are coming from all over the country. It is not like coming up from town where you don’t need a parking spot. Thanks to companies like Nua, Cental, Sean Swan, Ray Whelan, That is the key to it. Logistically, if you can get it running as it did, it is a huge advantage” pointed out McConnon.

There was minimum traffic jams as visitors and the Carlow community came together to support the event.

“There is a better fell-good factor to it. It doesn’t cause disruption to locals, it doesn’t cause disruption to traffic in the town which is so important. That is one thing which attracted it back to Carlow this year after last year. There were so many parking spots available to them right beside the ground.” This was the second year in a row Carlow hosted the event which is usually hosted in St Conleth Park in Newbridge. That ground is being refurbished for the last two years and it didn’t do Carlow GAA any harm at all that the former Kildare footballer, McConnon, is so involved with Carlow now.

“Straightaway, go back 12 months, the night of it, they tied in with Carlow straightaway which was brilliant. It is an event which speaks for itself. It is not just the hurling. It is the whole background. Hats off not just to the hurlers but to the racing board and those celebrities from outside sport who were here. They put their shoulder to the wheel. It was a huge logistical effort from Hurling for Cancer Research to be able to get those people on board. The amount of people who want to help and reach out is magnificent,” concluded McConnon.