Friends, family, and an entire community have rallied behind a talented GAA player as he battles an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Caolan Finnegan – affectionately known as ‘Stringer’ – was given the devastating diagnosis in August of 2023 at the tender age of 20.
Caolan, despite his unseasonable age, was fast becoming the star within the senior ranks of Crosmaglen Rangers. It was his goal in the county final against Granemore which helped steer Rangers to another title.
However, just days after playing in the senior championship against Clan na Gael of Lurgan the following season for, Caolan was preparing for surgery to remove a brain tumour.
Coalan, with the help of his family, has shown tremendous courage as he has battled the effects of the surgery and subsequent treatments.
The community has shown incredible support and now a GoFundMe page, set up less than 24 hours ago, has raised – at the time of writing – an unbelievable £47,000.
Gareth O’Neill, who organised the fundraiser, posted: “Unfortunately, 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.”
You can support the GoFundMe here.
