They say a picture paints a thousand words, but the smile says it all.
Sam Maguire paid a special visit to Crossmaglen – and to Finnegan household in particular – on Saturday.
There to greet Armagh captain, Aidan Forker, and the cup was Caolan Finnegan, who is continuing his brave battle against an aggressive form of brain cancer.
“It’s safe to say Caolan’s day has been made, Sam Maguire came to visit,” read the Care for Caolan post.
“Thank you kindly to captain Aidan Forker and Paul McArdle who brought the cup to Caolan and his family, it means so much, your continued support and thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.”
Last Sunday will live long in the memory of every Armagh supporter, and will with Caolan too as his great friend Rian drove his county to success on the biggest of stages.
Caolan himself made a special visit to the team’s training ground in Armagh in the lead up to the All-Ireland final in what was a very emotional night for the squad.
Thankfully they did it for Caolan and an county willing them over the line six days ago.
You can continue to donate to the Care for Caolan fundraiser here.
Meanwhile, Camlough man Damien McCullough – aka Tigger – has raised an impressive £5,100 for his two charities – Cuan Mhuire Newry and CareFor Caolan, which means both get £2,550.
“To say I am chuffed is an understatement,” he said.
“When we decided to take Tigger back for the second time we thought that we could get £1,000 but the people have been so generous and I can’t thank one and all enough.
“I first have to thank Aoife my daughter who set up the GoFundMe page. For me I have no idea how it goes. But it went like Armagh last week. To my wife Theresa and son Caolan thanks for your patience this last few weeks. They had a lot to put up with.
“To the clubs who invited me to their functions, a special thanks to Carrickcruppen GAA, St Killian’s GAC Whitecross, Killeavy GAA, Madden Raparees and Pearse Ogs Armagh.
“To all the media outlets who ran the story thanks so much. The first time Tigger made an appearance, we won and now, the last time, we won too.
“I think it’s a good time to retire him but to come back as Tigger 2 and raise so much needed funds for the above charities was worth it all.
To all who I met last Sunday and got pics taken will stay with me for ever. I hope you all enjoyed the craic in Dublin.
“Of course what can we say about Armagh All-Ireland champions 2024. The lift you gave us as a county and its people is hard to explain but its something special.
“So, once more, to the many who donated, thank you so much. I am humbled by it all. Never did I see this happing but it has and it was great to be a little part of a very special time.”
