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Fitness & Health

06th Sep 2015

VIDEO: Noel McGrath gives inspirational interview about his battle with cancer and his return to hurling

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Conor Heneghan

Inspirational stuff.

The season isn’t over yet but it will be hard to top one particular moment during the All-Ireland hurling semi-final when we sit back and think of the highlights of the GAA year.

During the second half of Tipperary’s defeat to Galway at Croke Park, Noel McGrath came on to the Croke Park pitch to a standing ovation in what was his first appearance since being diagnosed with testicular cancer in April.

Even though Noel scored a point, it wasn’t to be Tipp’s day, but it warmed the heart to see Galway manager Anthony Cunningham approach and embrace McGrath after the match.

GAA Hurling All Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final, Croke Park, Dublin 16/8/2015 Tipperary vs Galway TipperaryÕs Noel McGrath introduced as a second half sub Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

After overcoming testicular cancer having had to go through surgery and a bout of chemotherapy, McGrath has become an Ambassador for the Movember foundation, which encourages men to be more open about Men’s Health issues and fundraises for research.

In a video addressing young men about the issue, McGrath admits he did nothing for two or three weeks after developing a lump on his testicle. But once he went to his doctor he got tremendous support, and he stresses the importance of early detection and treatment.

McGrath’s message is a powerful and inspirational one for young men in the GAA community and beyond and for more information, you can check out the Movember website.