Caolan Finnegan passes away after illness battle that he fought with “strength, courage and dignity”

CROSSMAGLEN and Armagh talent Caolan Finnegan sadly lost his battle with illness and passed away this morning.

His club Crossmaglen Rangers confirmed the news in a post that hailed his “enormous courage, strength and dignity”.

Finnegan was the youngest of Liam and Janette’s five sons. He was still just 20, not turning 21 until the end of November.

Caolan made a championship-winning Crossmaglen team at the age of 18, standing out with his directness and an eye for goal that the black ‘n’ amber were crying out for.

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He made his mark as an Armagh minor and U20, and looked destined for great things on the football field.

Reared backing on to the club’s pitch, his elder brothers Stephen and Ronan won All-Ireland club titles in 2011 and 2012, and twins Patsy and Liam have shown great promise.

Caolan’s last game for the club was in their championship clash with Clan na Gael last August.

He was diagnosed with a brain tumour soon after.

He fought it for a full year with every ounce of strength in his body.

When doctors reviewed his initial scans, they could not believe that he had played championship football a week earlier.

After an operation that removed 90 per cent of the tumour last year, he defied expectation again. Up walking the day after, home a week later.

Caolan Finnegan fought some fight, with his loving family and devoted girlfriend Emily by his side, his clubmates rallying at every turn.

“We are so proud of you Caolan. You will be forever remembered as one of the greatest who ever donned the black & amber. Rest in peace Stringer,” the club’s statement read.