Relay for Life Kildare 2026 officially launched in Newbridge

The campaign for Relay for Life Kildare 2026 was officially launched on Wednesday 11th March at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, bringing together cancer survivors, volunteers, community supporters and local representatives to mark the beginning of this year’s event.

Relay for Life Kildare 2026 will take place at The Curragh Racecourse, Newbridge, on Saturday 6th June – Sunday June 7th from 1pm to 1pm 2026, when communities from across the county will once again gather for this powerful 24-hour event in support of the Irish Cancer Society.

Relay for Life sees communities come together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and stand shoulder to shoulder with those currently facing cancer. The event raises vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society while also raising awareness of the ground-breaking research and free support services available to cancer patients and their families.

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In 2025 alone, the Irish Cancer Society provided significant support to people across Kildare. This included 2,145 free lifts to bring patients to and from cancer treatment, 341 free counselling sessions for people affected by cancer, and 233 nights of Night Nursing care, allowing patients to spend their final days at home surrounded by loved ones.

In addition, the Society’s Support Line and Daffodil Centres provided comfort and guidance during 1,067 conversations with people affected by cancer.

The launch event was hosted by Irish radio and television presenter Brenda Donohue, who acted as MC for the evening.

Among those attending were Peter Whyte, Chair of Relay for Life Kildare, Cllr. Carmel Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Kildare County Council; Ciara Hughes, Relay for Life Campaign Manager; Deirdre O’Callaghan, Vice Principal of Newbridge College; Karen Langton, Global Hero of Hope and cancer survivor Eamonn Nolan, Rotary Club Kildare, Relay for Kildare teams, cancer survivors and family members.

Relay for Life Kildare also celebrated a major milestone, having raised over €1 million for the Irish Cancer Society during its 13 years of events. The landmark was achieved following last year’s Relay at The Curragh Racecourse, where 16 charity teams raised an incredible €90,279 during the 24-hour event, bringing the total funds raised for the Irish Cancer Society beyond the seven-figure mark.

Speaking at the launch, Chair Peter Whyte praised the dedication of teams and volunteers from across the county.

“The launch of Relay for Life Kildare 2026 marks the beginning of another incredible community effort to support those affected by cancer,” said Peter Whyte.

“We look forward to welcoming teams, survivors, families and supporters from across Kildare to The Curragh Racecourse this June.”

Ciara Hughes, Relay For Life Campaign Manager at the Irish Cancer Society, said: “People in Kildare have always enthusiastically supported Relay For Life, and in doing so they generously support ground-breaking research and the vital services provided by the Irish Cancer Society, so we can ensure no one has to face cancer alone. 

“We’re delighted that Relay for Life has returned to Kildare this year, giving people in the area the opportunity to come together, remember their loved ones and celebrate survivors within their community.”

In 2025 more than 7,000 people attended the event, with over 1,000 gathering on the Saturday night for the moving Candle of Hope ceremony, where hundreds of personalised candle bags illuminated the night in tribute to loved ones affected by cancer.

During the 24-hour Relay event, teams take turns walking a designated route throughout the day and night, ensuring that someone from the team is always on the move reflecting the message that cancer never sleeps, so neither do Relay teams.

One of the most powerful moments of the event is the Survivors’ Lap, where those who have lived with or are living with cancer take a special lap of honour, symbolising courage, resilience and hope.

Another highlight is the Candle of Hope Ceremony, which takes place at dusk. Hundreds of personalised candle bags, decorated with names, messages and photographs, light up the night sky in a moving tribute to loved ones lost to cancer.

Relay for Life Kildare organisers are encouraging individuals, families, workplaces and community groups from across the county to get involved in the 2026 event.

The event is free to attend and open to everyone, whether people wish to participate for the full 24 hours, support a team, make a donation, partake in family fun activities from 1pm to 8pm  or attend the Candle of Hope ceremony on the evening of 6 June 2026.

Relay for Life Kildare continues to play a vital role in supporting the work of the Irish Cancer Society while bringing the community together in solidarity with those affected by cancer.

To purchase a candle for the event by following this link: https://www.relayforlife.ie/event/kildare/shop