Northern Ireland

Caolan Finnegan: Fundraiser launched for Crossmaglen GAA player’s brain cancer battle

Caolan Finnegan walking behind the band ahead of the 2022 Armagh SFC final. His goal that day was typical of the way he plays. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Caolan Finnegan walking behind the band ahead of the 2022 Armagh SFC final. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile (SPORTSFILE)
By Rohit Balaji

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to support 20-year-old Crossmaglen Rangers footballer Caolan Finnegan, who is battling an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Finnegan, a former Ulster Colleges All-Star winner, underwent surgery to remove a brain tumour just days after playing for Crossmaglen against Clan na Gael in the 2023 Armagh SFC opener.

His teammates have now united to raise funds for his ongoing treatment.

As of today, the fundraiser has collected £50,843 of its £60,000 goal within the first day of its launch.

Former Crossmaglen manager Gareth O’Neill, who organized the campaign, wrote on the GoFundMe page, “A group of us have come together to raise funds to support a good friend of ours who is bravely battling cancer.

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“In August 2023 , at the age of 20, Caolan Finnegan or Stringer, as he’s widely known, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.”

“Caolan, with the help of his family, has shown tremendous courage as he has battled the effects of the surgery and treatments which he has undergone.”

“Unfortunately, Caolan’s battle with cancer will continue for the immediate future and we have come together with the blessing of Caolan and his family to try and raise funds to help Caolan on his journey.”

“The Finnegan family have shown amazing strength in ensuring Caolan has wanted for nothing and Caolan is receiving the best care at all times, but now as treatment enters its eighth month we would ask the Crossmaglen community, the GAA community in Armagh and all GAA and sports people to help the Finnegan family as they prepare for an elongated battle.”

The fundraiser has garnered support from the wider GAA community, including Armagh senior stars Rian and Oisin O’Neill, who have shared the campaign on social media.

The funds raised will aim to alleviate stress on the Finnegan family as they navigate this challenging period.