Former WBA super bantamweight world champion Bernard Dunne has revealed he discovered his wife had been diagnosed with cancer upon returning from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with Team Ireland.
Dunne described the cancer as “aggressive”, but has spoken of his family’s new lease of life at the launch of Centra’s Hurling for Cancer Research match on August 18 (7:30pm, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow).
Dunne said: “I don’t think there’s a family in the country, possibly in the world, that has not been impacted by the dreaded C-word,” he said.
“We’ve had it in my family with my wife. I found out the day I came home from the Olympic Games. It was aggressive but thankfully she is fabulous now and we enjoy and appreciate every day.
All proceeds raised from the event will support the Irish Cancer Society and the life-saving research they do.
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Former IABA High Performance director Bernard Dunne, went on extended leave before resigning after Tokyo 2021. Picture by INPHO
The annual Hurling for Cancer Research fundraiser was the brainchild of horseracing’s Jim Bolger and Davy Russell 13 years ago.
Since 2011 has raised over €1.6million, directly funds 100 cancer researchers each year and is hoping to pass the €2million mark this year.
Kilkenny legend TJ Reid has been part of Hurling for Cancer for a decade, descriving the event as “special”:
“It’s become a very special day in the calendar, especially for the kids who get to meet and get autographs from their heroes, but also because so many people come and it creates so much awareness, especially among men.
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“I’m always telling males, especially men over 40, to go and get their bloods done and get their prostate checked. It only takes 10 minutes at your doctor’s and those 10 minutes could potentially save your life.” Rachael Blackmore and Danny Mullins will be among the stars of the turf involved again this year.
6/7/2025 Kilkennys TJ Reid in action with Tipperarys Ronan Maher in yesterdays game at Croke Park Picture Seamus Loughran (seamus loughran)
Recently retired Blackmore said: “I got roped in a few years ago and you couldn’t say no because it’s such a brilliant evening. Everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer so it’s just a brilliant cause to support and the event is growing every year.”
Mullins, whose dramatic haircut has caused such a stir in and out of the weigh room at this week’s Galway Races said: “I’m one of the lucky few who hasn’t had cancer knock on our door yet, but you know inevitably that it’s going to come at some stage, and you want to do your bit.
“It’s a really great evening of fun but for a very serious cause.”
Centra Director of Strategy & Business Des O’Mahony said their involvement is a natural extension of their involvement with the Irish Cancer Society and 16-year sponsorship of the All-Ireland hurling championship.
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“At Centra, we’re delighted to stand alongside Hurling for Cancer Research in a partnership that reflects our deep-rooted commitment to local communities.
“This initiative brings together two causes that reflect our values at Centra– the passion for hurling and the critical need to support life-saving cancer research.
“Teaming up for this powerful cause allows us to champion community spirit on the pitch while fuelling families across Ireland.”
Tickets for the event are priced at €10 for adults and €5 for children and can be purchased at selected Centra and SuperValu GAA Ticket Agent stores or online at www.hurlingforcancer.ie.
Get your very own Hurling for Cancer Research kit from Cul Sliotars (Hurling for Cancer Jerseys – Cúl Sliotars for just €50 with 10% going to Hurling for Cancer Research.
All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go directly towards funding life-saving cancer research.
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