Cricket Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation have today announced a new partnership that will give Irish cricket supporters the chance to raise funds and awareness for Heart Month.
The partnership will run throughout September and was chosen by the Ireland Women’s squad and support staff in support of teammate and friend, Orla Prendergast. Orla has spoken about why the Irish Heart Foundation holds such deep personal meaning following the loss of her father in 2025.
Orla said:
“The Irish Heart Foundation is a charity that means a great deal to me and my family. Having lost my dad last year to cardiac disease, we saw how impactful and important the Irish Heart Foundation is in supporting families affected and in raising awareness around cardiac health.
“My dad was my biggest support in cricket and I miss that every day. I decided to change my shirt number to 10, his birthday, as a way of keeping him close to me every time I play.
“Cricket has given me so much, and I’m grateful to Cricket Ireland and the Irish Heart Foundation for helping to turn a personal story into something that can have a positive impact for others. If supporters can get behind the campaign and help raise awareness of heart health, then hopefully we can make a real difference.”
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in Ireland. The Irish Heart Foundation’s 2026 Heart Month campaign aims to encourage people to take small, sustainable steps to look after their heart health and raise awareness that many cases of early heart disease and stroke can be prevented through lifestyle changes.
Fans, clubs and members of the cricket community can support the campaign by donating through the dedicated Cricket Ireland fundraising page, by taking part in Heart Month fundraising challenges and by helping to spread awareness of the importance of heart health. The fundraising page is here: https://events.irishheart.ie/campaign/cricket-ireland-september-challenge.
Cricket Ireland will also run a MatchWornShirt auction during Ireland’s three-match series against England. The auction will run during the 3rd ODI taking place on Sunday 6 September at New Road, Worcester. The proceeds generated from the auction will be donated to the Irish Heart Foundation to support its vital work across Ireland.
Janis Morrissey, Deputy CEO and Director of Services in the Irish Heart Foundation said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Cricket Ireland and Orla for their support of the Irish Heart Foundation and our Heart Month campaign. Orla’s willingness to share her story is both courageous and powerful, and it will help us reach more people with important messages around heart health.
“Partnerships like this help us raise vital funds while also encouraging conversations about cardiovascular health and the steps people can take to protect their hearts.”
Cricket Ireland CEO Sarah Keane said:
“This partnership is about much more than fundraising. It is about using the platform of cricket to support a cause that has touched the lives of many people across Ireland.
“Orla’s story is one of resilience, pride and family, and we’re proud to work alongside the Irish Heart Foundation to help raise awareness and support their important work during Heart Month.”
For information on how you can look after your heart visit irishheart.ie.
