Five Offaly hurlers to feature as part of star-studded squad for charity match

Five Offaly hurlers are set to take part in this year's hurling for cancer research match taking place in Carlow on Monday evening, August 18. An array of stars from the world of racing, GAA and other top sports personalities will lace up their boots for the annual fundraiser. 

The five representatives from the Faithful County are Adam Screeney (Kilcormac/Killoughey) who will start at corner forward for Jim Bolger's stars along with Dan Bourke, Brian Duignan (Ballinamere) Liam Hoare (Carrig & Riverstown) and Brian Carroll (Coolderry) who are all likely to feature from the bench. The team will be managed by Wexford and Limerick legends Liam Griffin and John Kiely. Michael Duignan will also be on duty tonight taking on off-field duties.

Screeney, Bourke and Hoare were all part of the successful Offaly U-20 team who won the All-Ireland title last year beating Tipperary in the final. Aside from the Offaly hurlers, Jim Bolger's stars also features TJ Reid, Lee Chin and Dan Morrisey amongst others. 

They will be facing 'Davy Russell's best' team who will be managed by Kilkenny legend Brian Cody and All-Ireland winner Liam Cahill. Their team boasts the likes of Noel McGrath, Peter Duggan and Brian Hayes to name a few. 

There will be a host of big names taking up off-field duties for the evening such as selectors, commentators, side-line officials, umpires and maor uisce. These roles will be filled by the likes of Paudie Clifford, Rachael Blackmore, Marty Morrisey, Anthony Daly, Willie Mullins, Bernard Dunne, Paul Townend, Niall Quinn, Michael Duignan and Jimmy Barry Murphy amongst others.  

Tonight will mark the 14th edition of the charity hurling match in aid of funding cancer research. Throw in is at 7:30pm in Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow with TG4 broadcasting the game free-to-air to help boost donations to the Irish cancer society's vital cancer research projects with their coverage starting at 7:15pm. Hurling for cancer research has raised a staggering €1.66 million so far. 

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Speaking ahead of the match, hurling for cancer research founder Jim Bolger said "This year's match promises incredible skill, fierce competition and plenty of entertainment - with a line up to rival any All-Ireland final".

Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power spoke of the importance of the cause behind the match adding "every three minutes in Ireland, someone is told 'you have cancer'. There isn't a community that hasn't been affect by this disease. This is why events like hurling for cancer research are so vital". 

Tickets are available through event sponsor Centra stores and Supervalu GAA ticket agent stores as well as online at www.hurlingforcancer.ie

All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go directly towards funding life saving cancer research.