Since issuing an urgent appeal for increased financial support in May, Care for Caolan fundraising efforts have reached incredible new heights as individuals and groups across County Armagh seize every opportunity imaginable to increase the pot.
The fundraising campaign, which began in March 2024, launched with the intention of providing 20-year-old GAA player Caolan Finnegan – known as ‘Stringer’- with the best possible treatment as he battled an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Immediately, the talented young player’s community rallied in support and within just four weeks the GoFundMe page had raised over £100,000.
Related: Generosity ‘exceeds expectations’ as fundraiser for Crossmaglen’s Caolan surpasses £100,000 target
Then, in May Caolan’s family launched a fresh appeal as treatment costs abroad began to spiral.
And, just as they had before, the community responded.
In the last month all manner of fundraising activities and events have been taking place across the county and beyond from coffee mornings and evenings to vintage truck and trailer runs.
And support for the Armagh man isn’t confined to the island of Ireland. A fundraiser has even been organised on the Coogee beach of Sydney Australia by Caolan’s cousin, Tasha Ó hAodha.
Those closer to home can continue to get involved by visiting the Care for Caolan Facebook page, donating via the GoFundMe page here or by attending/supporting the following upcoming events:
Jersey Day – Friday June 14
All Armagh schools have been invited to hold a Jersey Day where staff and pupils will sport Armagh GAA jerseys for the day alongside a suggested £1 donation per family.
TírnanÓg GFC Bucket Collection – Friday June 14
The club will hold a bucket collection at Friday evening’s senior men’s game against Crossmaglen II.
No donation is too small and every donation is appreciated.
Morgan Wallen Ticket Raffle – Saturday June 15
Colleen Mackin is raffling off two ‘One Night At a Time’ 2024 Early Access Tickets for the Morgan Wallen concert on September 7, 2024.
Priced at £35 for 1 number the winner will be picked by the bonus ball on Saturday night June 15. All proceeds will go to Care for Caolan.
Oliver Plunkett Youth Club – Saturday June 15
The team at Oliver Plunkett Youth Club in Crossmaglen will be partaking in a street collection in aid of Care for Caolan from 10am – 1pm.
St Colmcille’s GFC Players’ Sponsored Walk – Saturday June 15
Jake Toal and two clubmates will be leaving St Colmcille’s GFC Grange car park at 8am and finishing 26 miles later at Cross Rangers club carpark.
The walk is sponsored and the trio invite any businesses or individuals who would like to sponsor the entire walk or a single mile to contact them via Facebook.
Stroll for Stringer – Sunday June 16
The Stroll for Stringer is open to everyone. The route is approximately six miles but there is no obligation to complete the entire walk.
Stewards will be available along the route for assitance and refreshments will be provided.
The walk begins at 9am leaving from Crossmaglen Rangers GFC to Donaghmoyne Fontenoys. Transport will be available from Donaghmoyne back to Crossmaglen. Registration opens from 8am.
KIS Crossmaglen will kindly be offering a ‘Coffee on us’ from 8.30am to anyone taking part in the stroll.
