A CROWD of 3,678, the largest attendance yet, flocked into St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, on Tuesday evening for the sixth running of the Hurling for Cancer Research match in aid of the Irish Cancer Society.
Jim Bolger’s team of stars took on the best that Davy Russell could muster in an absorbing end to end contest.
Jim Bolger's winning team
Blessed with evening sunshine, sporting celebrities past and present abounded with the likes of Paul McGrath and Bernard Dunne in demand for selfies and autographs.
With Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Seán Bán Breathnach in the commentary box, we also had entertaining tales of All-Irelands past interspersed in the commentary. Kids came in their county colours – Tipperary, Waterford with “Aussie” on the back, Wexford, Kilkenny still standing proud and even a little girl in the Uíbh Fhailí, dozing on her father’s shoulder.
The voices of the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir got the evening underway with a stirring National Anthem. “Trainers, jockeys, hurlers, camogie players,” Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh called them all on board, giving their time and support for a most worthy cause. Jimmy Barry Murphy and Cyril Farrell were the men in charge on the pitch but no Hawk-Eyes or CCCs would be needed tonight. Henry Shefflin was among the past legends watching on.
Right: Davy Russell's Best manager Brian Cody talks tactics in the dressing room before the Hurling for Cancer Research game
Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Jim’s Stars, managed by Liam Griffin and assisted by Clare legend, Davy Fitzgerald, made a quick start and points from TJ Reid, James Dowling and Charlie Carter put them into an early lead.
The first of the goals also went the way of Jim’s Stars, Charlie Carter, hitting the net after some good work from former Ireland soccer international, Stephen Hunt.
Jamie Codd, registered Davy’s Best’s first goal of the game when his deflected shot flashed past Damien Fitzhenry.
Umpires Rich Ricci and Willie Mullins had little to do at the dressing room goal until Davy’s Best found their stride towards half-time to get Rich moving and waving his green flag.
Right: Umpires Rich Ricci and Willie Mullins
Wexford’s Conor McDonald got the first of his three goals with a good finish from the end line. Shane Dowling hit the net soon after for Davy’s Best and at the other end camogie star, Ursula Jacob dispatched a penalty past jockey, Ian McCarthy, to leave Jim’s Stars ahead at the break, 2-11 to 3-6.
During the break Niall Quinn demonstrated he can use a hurl while Mags Darcy was a welcome addition. Luckily Miriam O’Callaghan, on linesman duties, was not called up to spot any infringements as she rushed to take her place after the second half was underway.
Paul McGrath was reminded not to turn your back on a hurling match as, standing for photos along the sideline, he was nearly got hit by a flying sliotar.
Miriam O'Callaghan acting as lineswoman, during the Hurling for Cancer Research game
Davys Best, fired up by Brian Cody’s half-time team talk, stormed in the second half and goals from David Fogarty and Conor McDonald saw them take the lead. The goals with Killeagh’s Co. Cork, Joe Deane drove home for Jim’s Stars.
The goal of the game came though Stephen Hunt, who showed he was well able to mix it on the hurling field, controlling a dropping ball and firing it to the net. Save of the match was a Damien Fitzhenry stop from a penalty.
Conor McDonald rattled the net once again, before his teammate both here and for Wexford, Lee Chin, who did untold damage, fired to the net to edge Davy’s Best back in front.
Action on the pitch as Shauna Kelly is surrouded by Davy Russell players as she goes for a score
The game was then decided as Eoin O’Hehir was at the end of a TJ Reid pass to fire Jim’s Stars in front before O’Hehir found Joe Deane for his second goal. Lee Chin notched his second goal late on, and came off to great round of applause. It wasn’t enough to get back on terms with Jim’s Stars, despite the efforts of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh to convince referees Jimmy Barry Murphy and Cyril Farrell to have an honourable draw.
The stars posed for autographs, photos and interviews with Marty Morrissey and Davy Fitz in demand: “Will we need a sweeper, Davy? “Whatever it takes, Marty!”
What it did take was a lot of time, organising and commitment and a huge well done to all. Donations can still be made to the two captains and to cancer.ie. The total amount raised will be revealed in a few weeks’ time.
Action on the ptich
Jim Bolger said later: “It was a memorable night and the 4,000 crowd witnessed a superb game, the penalty save by Damien Fitzhenry was awesome and scores by Ursula Jacob and Conor Mortimer were vintage. Davy Russell was as solid on the pitch as he is in the saddle while Stephen Hunt and the Fogarty threesome were everywhere.
“A great effort by all the players in the brilliant sunshine was preceded by vocal class from the Castlecomer Male Voice Choir and Anthony Kearns who flew in from NY for the evening.”
Davy Russell added: “It’s great to see the Hurling for Cancer Research match go from strength to strength each year. Tuesday night was our best so far in terms of the highest attendance, the highest scoring match and such a turnout of GAA, racing and sporting stars. I think everyone had a brilliant night and I’d like to thank everyone for their support. You can still make a donation to the Irish Cancer Society via their website. See you all on the pitch next year!”