Two Crossmaglen ladies teams have joined forces to put on a family-focussed colour run this Sunday (June 30) aimed at supporting their beloved neighbour through ongoing cancer treatment.
Since March 2024, funds have been pouring into 20-year-old GAA player Caolan Finnegan’s GoFundMe page with the total now sitting at an incredible £265,000 (at the time of publication).
Known as ‘Stringer’, the popular Co Armagh man has been battling an aggressive form of brain cancer at home and abroad for almost a year but – with the cost of treatment abroad spiraling – community efforts to increase the already sizeable pot have been ramping up.
Related: Community rallies behind talented Crossmaglen GAA player as he bravely battles brain cancer
Led by Geraldine Barry, with Cross Rangers Senior Ladies, and Leon McShane, for Crossmaglen Senior Camogie, the two teams became “one big family”, putting their heads together to find a new way to contribute.
Speaking to Armagh I, Leon explained: “Everyone knows Caolan needs a lot more treatment, so between the Ladies football and Senior Camogie teams we decided that we’d like to do something. We were trying to think of something that would include children. While everything that’s going on is brilliant there was nothing really for children to get involved with.
“Randomly, one morning about three weeks ago I took this notion in my head, ‘What about a colour run?’, and everyone agreed and we would go with it.”
While players from the two teams are leading the charge, Leon says the run is open to “absolutely everyone of all ages; from babies to grannies!”
And, to clarify a common misconception, Leon says it is a colour run by name but not by nature.
“It can be completed in walk, run, on a bike! You can hop it, crawl it, skip it! We don’t care how you do it, just as long as you show up and enjoy the day!
“We want to make a fun day out of it. We are trying to be positive for Caolan too. He does need a lot more treatment and will be back in Germany in the next three weeks.”
To support his treatment, the teams have been busy behind the scenes securing sponsorship from “brilliant” local businesses, which has allowed for the purchase of £1,650 worth of non-toxic powder paint for the event.
Leon added: “We asked businesses out of the town to sponsor it because those in the town have already been very generous. We were able to buy the paint at no cost to us so anything we get now is all profit to go towards Caolan’s treatment.
“That’s one thing about our wee community – as soon as somebody needs the help everyone is there to give it.”
Registration will open at 9am on Sunday June 30, at the Crossmaglen Rangers GFC Hall with the fun set to start between 10am and 10.15am.
Registration costs £15 per person or £40 for family of four.
Event organisers are also holding a like and share competition for free family pass, details of which can be found on the Care for Caolan Colour Run Walk Facebook page.
The powder paint is non-toxic and washes off but organisers are encouraging participants to wear old white clothes and to bring sunglasses as eye protection.
Sponsorship from businesses is still very much welcomed. Interested parties can contact Leon via telephone on 0879509227 and Geraldine on 0863115784.
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