Armagh All-Ireland winner's thoughts with Crossmaglen player 'fighting for his life' after club game
It was a poignant occasion in Lurgan this afternoon - and a difficult day for everyone associated with Crossmaglen GAA - as they met Clan na Gael in the Armagh Championship group stages.
A year ago Caolan Finnegan lined out for Crossmaglen as the two sides faced off in the Championship. Days later he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer and was preparing for surgery to remove a brain tumour.
During the week the Crossmaglen GAA ‘X’ account posted a message in support of the Finnegan family. “The Finnegan family have kindly asked for everyone’s prayers especially tonight and in the coming days for Caolan. Please keep them all in your thoughts at this time.”
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After today’s game Armagh All-Ireland winner, Stefan Campbell paid tribute to Caolan Finnegan.
Campbell’s outfit, Clan na nGael won the group game by 2-13 to 3-5, but the Lurgan man’s thoughts were with the Crossmaglen player when he spoke to TG4 after the game.
“It was great to be involved in, great to get the two points on the board,” said Campbell. “But I think what puts things into perspective is there is a young lad in Crossmaglen fighting for his life. Young Caolan Finnegan. So all our thoughts go out to him and the family.”
Stefan Campbell kisses the Sam Maguire Cup
(Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady)
A major fundraising drive called ‘Care for Caolan’ was launched last year with a target of £310,000 (€365,000). It hit the goal with over 6800 donors and helped with the costs of treatment in Germany.
Crossmaglen All-Ireland winning joint-manager Gareth O’Neill - father of Armagh’s Oisin and Rian - wrote the following on the gofundme page:
“A group of us have come together to raise funds to support a good friend of ours who is bravely battling cancer. In August 2023, at the age of 20, Caolan Finnegan, or Stringer as he’s widely known, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
“Days after playing in the Armagh senior championship for his club Crossmaglen Rangers v Clan na Gael, Stringer was preparing for surgery to remove a brain tumour.
“Caolan has also represented Armagh at all underage grades and is a past pupil of St Joseph’s Crossmaglen and St Colman’s College Newry and played with distinction for both.
“Caolan, with the help of his family, has shown tremendous courage as he has battled the effects of the surgery and treatments which he has undergone.
“Unfortunatley, Caolan’s battle with cancer will continue for the immediate future and we have come together with the blessing of Caolan and his family to try and raise funds to help Caolan on his journey.
“The Finnegan family have shown amazing strength in ensuring Caolan has wanted for nothing and Caolan is receiving the best care at all times.
“But now as treatment enters its eighth month we would ask the Crossmaglen community, the GAA community in Armagh and all GAA and sports people to help the Finnegan family as they prepare for an elongated battle.
“We will be organising a few fundraisers in the coming months to raise funds but wish to start the fundraising immediately to help Caolan receive the best treatments available.
“All monies raised will go directly to Caolan to support his treatments and make his and his families journey through this horrendous battle as stress free as it can be.”
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