Hurling for Cancer Research Raises €542,000

Published: Tue 29 Nov 2016, 11:51 AM

Last updated: Tue 29 Nov 2016, 11:53 AM

Hurling for Cancer Research 2016, organised by racing personalities Jim Bolger and Davy Russell, has raised €138,000 for the Irish Cancer Society’s vital cancer research.
This brings the total raised through the celebrity hurling match over five years to €542,000, enabling important Irish research breakthroughs such as a recent discovery made by BREAST-PREDICT, an Irish Cancer Society Collaborative Cancer Research Centre.

Researchers found that a new drug can prevent the growth of triple-negative breast cancer cells. If found to be successful in clinical trials, the drug (APR-246) has the potential to save lives of patients with a form of breast cancer which is currently difficult to treat.

Jim Bolger said, “It is truly exciting to see the developments being made through cancer research here in Ireland. The number of people with cancer in Ireland is rising annually and more research is vital to tackle this growing epidemic. Davy and I, and all those involved in Hurling for Cancer Research, are proud to play a part in funding the Irish Cancer Society’s work in this field.”

The sixth annual Hurling for Cancer Research match will take place in St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge on August 15^th 2017, and will once again see top GAA, horseracing and sporting stars take to the pitch.

John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said, “Hurling for Cancer Research has now raised €542,000 to fund our work in the area of cancer research, which is a phenomenal achievement. Every 15 minutes in Ireland someone gets a cancer diagnosis. Research is quite simply the enemy of cancer – a powerful tool that we can use to fight back against this disease.

“Our research investments are 100% funded by the public so the money raised through the event is extremely important for all those affected by cancer. Thank you to Jim Bolger and Davy Russell and all those who supported the event this year, your contribution is making a real difference to cancer patients in Ireland. We look forward to another great night on the pitch next August.”