A GoFundMe page set up to help support Crossmaglen star Caolan Finnegan in his battle against an aggressive form of brain cancer has received more than £53,000 in less than one day.

In September 2023, 20-year-old Caolan underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his brain, just days after lining out for Crossmaglen against Clan na Gael.

'Stringer' as he is affectionately known as, struck 1-1 in the 2022 county SFC final as Cross secured their 46th Armagh senior title. That he was another outstanding Crossmaglen prospect became apparent at an early age, Caolan also won an Ulster Schools All-Star after his brilliant scoring performances for St Colman's of Newry.

Caolan's Crossmaglen clubmates and the wider GAA community in Armagh and further beyond have shown their support as he begins his eight month of treatment. 

The GoFundMe page, created by former Crossmaglen manager Gareth O'Neill, said: "A group of us have come together to raise funds to support a good friend of ours who is bravely battling cancer.

"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. Days after playing in the Armagh senior championship for his club Crossmaglen Rangers v Clan na Gael Stringer was preparing for surgery to remove a brain tumour.

"Caolan has also represented Armagh at all underage grades and is a past pupil of St Joseph’s Crossmaglen and St Colmans college Newry and played with distinction for both. Coalan 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.

"We will be organising a few fundraisers in the coming months to raise funds but wish to start the fundraising immediately to help Caolan receive the best treatments available. All monies raised will go directly to Caolan to support his treatments and make his and his families journey through this horrendous battle as stress free as it can be."

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