The brother of Crossmaglen Rangers star Caolan Finnegan, who is battling aggressive cancer, says Armagh’s All-Ireland win has “lifted” Caolan and inspired him to keep fighting.
However, he also acknowledged the bittersweet reality that “deep down, Caolan knows he would have been part of that team, if he wasn’t dealt this hand.”
Caolan Finnegan (20) affectionately known as ‘Stringer’ was diagnosed with Grade 4 brain cancer last year.
Since his devastating diagnosis, the ‘Care for Caolan’ fundraising initiative, set up to support his specialist treatment abroad, has raised over £303,000 and continues to grow.
A former Ulster Colleges All-Star winner, he previously represented his county at all underage levels and played for both St Joseph’s High School in Crossmaglen and St Colman’s College in Newry.
Patsy Finnegan, one of Caolan’s four older brothers, explained how Armagh lifting the Sam Maguire Cup this year, lifted Caolan’s spirits and highlighted the significant impact the Armagh squad has had on a personal level.
“Watching his teammates lift the Sam Maguire has given Caolan a massive boost, even though he knows deep down he would have been part of that team if not for his illness. But, we’ve set that aside and will continue to keep putting one foot in front of the other in the right direction, to get him back to full health.”
During the week, fellow club teammates Rian O’Neill, Oisin O’Neill and Cian McConville brought the Sam Maguire cup to Caolan’s home in Crossmaglen so that he could join in on the success.
“Visits from the likes of his teammates such as Rian, Oisin and Cian lift Caolan’s mood in general, but when they brought the Sam Maguire with them, that was great. They are not only our clubmates but also leaders with a great and positive attitude. Their visits make a significant difference. They are a class bunch with great hearts.”
“Rian calls into our house regularly to check up on Caolan, and that support always makes a difference.
“Rian has always been there and looked out for Caolan since his very first senior training session. Caolan knows he has his back, so when he comes to the house it’s always a boost- as well as all his other teammates that are behind him too.”
Caolan has been undergoing specialist treatment for his condition in Germany. On Wednesday, he returned with his family for his third round of treatment. It is hoped this will be his final round of treatment.
His brother also updated that Caolan is “coping well” and that the family remain “positive and strong”, confident that he will defeat the disease.
Patsy stated that the support for his family during this difficult time has been “out of this world”, adding that he will be “forever grateful”.
“The support around the local community, the county, across the country and further afield has been out of this world. We can’t thank everyone enough for the part they have played in Caolan’s Journey.
“People have been unreal to us, and we will be forever grateful. Our family still can’t get over how good everyone is and what they have done for us… for that, we are so thankful.”
The Care for Caolan initiative has requested ongoing prayers for Caolan, asking people to “keep him in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.”
No local group rosary has been organised for during this treatment period, but individuals are encouraged to pray privately at seven o’clock each evening “for Caolan’s strength and courage.”
