Hundreds gathered together both inside and outside St Patrick’s Church Crossmaglen this morning to say a heartbreaking farewell to 20-year-old, Caolan Finnegan.
Caolan, known affectionately to many as ‘Stringer’, son of Liam and Janette sadly passed away following a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer on Friday morning (August 23).
Following the cortege from Caolan’s late home via the Rangers field the church filled with an emotional display of colour for the celebrated Gaelic player as friends and family paid tribute to his remarkable on-the-field talents by donning all manner of club, county and college jerseys to the Requiem Mass.
The yellow and black stripes of Caolan’s home club, Cross Rangers were undoubtedly the most prominent among the display.
Offertory gifts and symbols of Caolan’s life were proudly laid at the alter beside next to his framed photo in his Cross Rangers jersey.
Throughout the mass stunning vocal melodies – at times breaking with emotion – were graciously provided by the Murphy family who sang renditions of ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘When I see you again’ during Holy Communion and as mourners left the church – laying a hand on Caolan’s coffin as they passed.
In a word of thanks to all involved in the liturgy, the priest said: “To those who brought symbols of Caolan’s life to the alter, who read the readings, prayed the prayers of the faithful, read the reflection, those who brought offertory gifts to the alter, to our Eucharist Ministers, to the many who are involved in guards of honour as the cortege was arriving at the church, to the Murphy family for the beautiful music and singing, to Geraldine the sacristan and to Paul the Deacon.
Before adding in a final prayer: “Before we go our separate ways, let us take leave of Caolan. May our farewell express our affection for him. May it ease our sadness and strengthen our hope. One day we shall joyfully greet him again when the love of Christ, which conquers all things, destroys even death itself.”
Caolan’s passing is deeply regretted by his heartbroken parents, brothers, girlfriend, grandparents, nephew, nieces, extended Finnegan and Hughes family, neighbours, friends and fellow gaels round the world.
