Paudie Clifford opens up on his mother's death: 'It still is very tough'
The GAA star's mum passed away two years ago, with Paudie and his brother David playing for Kerry the day after her death as the Kingdom defeated Clare in the Munster football final.
A star-studded line-up has been announced for the match, which takes place at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow, with top hurlers TJ Reid, Patrick Horgan, Lee Chin, Noel McGrath, Jake Morris and Darragh McCarthy all involved.
The game sess sees Jim Bolger's All Stars, managed by John Kiely and Liam Griffin, assisted by Larry O'Gorman clash with Davy Russell's Best, coached by Brian Cody and All-Ireland winner Tipperary boss, Liam Cahill.
Speaking to Balls.ie ahead of the match, Clifford said: "It's very important to us. Obviously, it was very tough for all of us. It still is very tough.
"To see Davy Russell and Jim and Úna Bolger all doing so much work for the cause to raise awareness and maybe help another family in the future, or loads of families in the future is massive.
"Obviously, it's a hard thing to go through, losing your mam when you admire her so much.
"It's great to see so many people putting their shoulder to the wheel and doing so much to help this cause and to help families around Ireland. It's massive." Kerry's David Clifford and Paudie Clifford with their parents Ellen and Dermot and their sister Shelly (Image: ©INPHO/James Crombie)
The game takes place in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and sees an array of stars from the world of racing and other sports take part, including Niall Quinn and Rachel Blackmore.
Among those also stepping up to act as selectors, commentators, side-line officials, umpires and maor uisce are Marty Morrissey, Anthony Daly, Willie Mullins, Bernard Dunne and Paul Townend.
Gates open at 5pm with pre-match entertainment and refreshments before throw-in at 7:30pm. Free car parking is available at Netwatch Cullen Park.
Tickets are available from selected Centra and SuperValu GAA ticket agent stores, as well as online at www.hurlingforcancer.ie (€10 for adults, €5 for children).
Hurling for Cancer Research kits are available from Cúl Sliotars for just €50 with 10percent going to the charity.
All proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go directly towards funding life-saving cancer research.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
11 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Irish athletes compete at World Transplant Games this week
Athletes from Cork, Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary are among the organ transplant recipients competing at the World Transplant Games this week in Germany. The Irish team of 28 includes people from 13 counties, and they face more than 2,000 competitors across 17 sports in Dresden. Team manager Harry Ward, who had a kidney transplant in 2007, said: 'This is a celebration of life, a tribute to the heroes who gave us a second chance, and a rallying cry of the benefits of organ donation. 'My transplant changed everything,' he said. 'I remember my donor every single day. Now, I want to show the world what organ donation makes possible.' At any one time, up to 600 people in Ireland are waiting for a transplant. 'These athletes are living proof that organ donation works and saves lives,' Mr Ward said. One living donor is also competing: Ivan Kinahan, from Dublin, gave his kidney to his son Sam. Transplant Sport Ireland team captain Harry Ward with kit day inspirational speaker Rachel Blackmore. File picture Mairéad O'Mahony, from Berrings, North Cork, had a bone marrow transplant 28 years ago. Her brother Willie was her donor. Speaking about returning to running with this team, she said: 'I felt that I was reconnecting with something I loved so much, which was taken from me on my cancer diagnosis. I was so excited to potentially achieve some of the dreams which, as a 17-year-old, I thought were gone forever. 'It means the world to me to represent Ireland in the Games. I am so proud to wear the Irish kit, and it really is a dream come true.' Marie O'Connor, from Lahinch in Clare, had a kidney transplant in 1998. 'That just changed my life,' she said. 'I am still here today, and it is because of my donor to whom I will be forever grateful.' Trevor Lynch, from Limerick and living in England, had two bone marrow transplants after being diagnosed with lymphoma in 2012. Guest speaker Rachel Blackmore with some members of the Transplant Sport Ireland team — Hugh Nolan, Doneraile, Amanda O'Neill Coyne, Youghal, Mairead O'Mahony, Berrings, Val Weblin, Drimoleague, Pat O'Sullivan, Mallow, and Mike Keohane, Rosscarbery. File picture 'It was great to be part of a team of athletes who have all had similar life-changing experiences,' he said. 'This gave me something to focus on other than worrying about what if I relapsed again. It allowed me to enjoy the second chance at life which I received.' Bryan Duignan, from Tipperary and living in Carlow, is also proud to pull on the green jersey. He had a kidney transplant almost 20 years ago, which gave the former GAA player back his love of sport. Last year, he raced in an Ironman 70.3 and in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. 'Both of these took a lot of time and training — something I couldn't have done before I got my transplant — so I will forever be grateful for my donor and the gift I received.' Pat O'Sullivan, from Mallow, had a kidney transplant in 2015. 'I've climbed a mountain in Croatia. Before my transplant, climbing a stairs was difficult,' he said. 'My life has totally changed.' You can follow the team online at
Extra.ie
15 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Irish rugby's power couples have a ball at Oasis concert
Oasis have brought hundreds of thousands of fans out in force this weekend for their first Irish show in 16 years. Among the waves of people descending onto Croke Park on Saturday night were a few of Ireland's top rugby stars with their other halves. Tickets to see the Gallagher brothers seemed to be like gold dust but it's no real surprise that these lads were quick to get their hands on some. Rob Kearney with his wife Jess Redden at Oasis. Pic: Instagram Brian O'Driscoll and his wife Amy Huberman were out in force as they intended the concert alongside Rob Kearney and his wife Jess Redden. The four were seated beside each other in Croke Park and O'Driscoll made sure to catch Kearney mid-groove as they enjoyed the historic night. He shared a snap of his former teammate on his Instagram story and captioned it: 'Definitely Maybe was still s****ng his pants when this album came out!' O'Driscoll caught Kearney enjoying himself. Pic: Instagram Kearney's wife also shared a couple of photos of the couple at the gig and made sure to let those going on Sunday know that they were in for a treat. She said: 'What a night. If you're going tonight, have the best time – iconic show!' Elsewhere in the packed-out stadium, Johnny Sexton was reuniting with a former rugby rival. Amy Huberman was all set for the gig. Pic: Instagram The ex-Ireland star attended the concert with England international Owen Farrell and each of their wives, Laura Sexton and Georgie Farrell. The four of them posed for a photo which Georgie shared to her Instagram story and Sexton re-shared to his. Sexton and Farrell would have had heated battles on the rugby pitch for many years but their differences were put to the side on Saturday night for the special concert. Sexton and Farrell reunited at the concert. Pic: Instagram Another former Ireland star also managed to make his way into GAA HQ to see Liam and Noel. Cian Healy shared a snap of him and his wife Laura Smith in yet another section of the stadium. The couple posed for a selfie as Oasis lit up Ireland for the first time since 2009. Cian Healy was elsewhere in the crowd. Pic: Instagram It'll be left to wonder however if any of the Ireland stars had any trouble with their tickets, as some fans reported issues on Saturday night, A number of standing section ticketholders have said they were initially let in to Croke Park but weren't given a wristband, which are commonly used by stadiums to identify who is entitled to access into standing areas. They were reportedly then later stopped from entering the standing area because of not having a wristband. This caused delays for fans trying to get onto the pitch and secure a spot to watch the iconic duo. Rob and Jess seemed to have a great night. Pic: Instagram Video footage from the concert shows a large number of fans still streaming onto the pitch after Oasis had already started performing. There were further issues at the other end of the gig on Saturday night, with planned pyrotechnics for the finale not going off 'due to a technical issue'. However, it won't be much of a concern for the tens of thousands of fans descending upon Croke Park for the second sold-out show as fans ultimately reported an unbelievable experience on night one.
RTÉ News
18 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Management issue must be 'bottomed out'
Jason Sherlock feels the increase in demands of inter-county football management must be "bottomed out" in order for it to be addressed as the future of coaching in the sport continues to be debated. GAA president Jarlath Burns last year raised the possibility of contracts for managers given how much it has been stated that doing the role is not possible on an amateur basis over a long period of time. For the fourth year in succession, more than 10 managers have left their positions after the conclusion of their season. Many raise the issue of the demands of the role when reaching a decision to walk away. It is particularly relevant when it comes to counties outside of Division 1. Sherlock, speaking in a wide-ranging interview on Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1 this afternoon, said he feels the time is nearing where the issue will be addressed: "I get why the GAA are looking at that. I always looked at Jim Gavin and then I was involved with Dessie Dolan with Westmeath for a couple of years and it's such a big commitment from a time perspective. You only have to look at the amount of vacancies there are with GAA managers now at the moment. "At the end of the day there's very little reward because a lot of these counties, with respect, are never going to be competitive at the highest level with the current structures that are there. "I can understand why we're looking at it and it probably does need to be bottomed out because I'm not sure how sustainable it is for people to have a working 9-5 role and be a manager of an inter-county football or hurling team." The introduction of new rules has undoubtedly added to the workload for managers, and while it may quell over time as players adjust, it's clear that players are seeking more from management teams in preparation for matches. That is unlikely to dip any time soon, even if the season is shorter under the split model of inter-county and then club. Sherlock believes that is telling: "I think the players have set the standards and they're constantly looking to improve and become better. "From a management perspective then you have to kind of respect that. "You have to be better and you have to give them the information, the feedback and the data that they look for. "That all takes time, so if that's the way the game is going, [the workload will remain or grow]. "Again you only have to look at the All-Ireland final as a spectacle. Whenever a game is played the right way, it is one of the best games in the world so I have no problem with players and managers wanting to be the best that they can be. "I suppose that has to be balanced in terms of our association and what's sustainable. "At the end of the day what I've always loved about GAA is that if you were willing to give the time and the effort, there was a place for you. "Unfortunately now players and coaches have to make that call on whether they can do this and balance everything else that's in their life." Sherlock has not ruled out a step back into inter-county coaching as he plots the next stage of his career, having had a successful period with his native Dublin and also with Westmeath. "I've always said I'm a student of sport," he explained. "I love sport, I really enjoy it and obviously I have a big draw to GAA. "I have my views and philosophies on that. It's great being involved in a GAA environment but the balance to that is it's a lot of time. It's a lot of sacrifice. It's a lot of commitment.
