Long returns to his hurling roots
August 14, 2024
Shane Long is surrounded for autographs after the Hurling For Cancer Research 2024 Charity Game In Aid Of The Irish Cancer Society ©INPHO/Ben Brady
Former Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long was delighted to play his first game of hurling in 20 years this week.
Long was part of a star-studded line-up of personalities who took part in this year’s Hurling for Cancer Research game in Netwatch Cullen Park on Monday evening. Founded by horse racing legends Jim Bolger and Davy Russell, the annual charity event has seen Ireland’s biggest stars rub shoulders in a fun, but competitive, match.
Long played minor hurling for Tipp two decades ago, scoring 2-1 in their 2003 Munster final win over Cork at Semple Stadium and 2-2 12 months later when the Rebel County exacted revenge at the same stage. He was also eligible for the minor grade in 2005, but had decided to channel all his energies into soccer by that stage.
“It was great to be involved,” the former Southampton man said in an interview with TG4.
"It is 20 years since I played a game of hurling so it was tough, but hurling was always my first love so I am delighted to be a part of today. It is a great cause.
"I thought it was going to be all ex-jockeys and ex-football players and I showed up and there was a shower of All-Stars making me look stupid! But it has been brilliant."
Tweet#hurling4cancer
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) August 12, 2024
Shane Long ag labhairt le @RebelDevil71
“Hurling was always my first love so delighted to part of today” 💪
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV 📺@Hurling4cancer @IrishCancerSoc @HRIRacing pic.twitter.com/p4ppwUWl8U
