Crossmaglen footballer Caolan Finnegan dies aged 20 after cancer battle

He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer last year.

Fri, 23 Aug, 2024 - 10:25

PJ Browne

Crossmaglen Rangers player Caolan Finnegan has died aged 20. He was diagnosed last year with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

"Caolan lost his battle earlier this morning," the Crossmaglen Rangers club said on social media.

"A battle he fought with enormous courage, strength & dignity 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."

All club activities have been suspended.

Following Armagh's victory in July's All-Ireland final, clubmate Oisin O'Neill wore a 'Care of Caolan' t-shirt to the post-match press conference to raise awareness of the fundraising campaign for Caolan's treatment. He added that “Geezer said he would have been in with us this year."

Caolan, who played for Crossmaglen as recently as last year, had represented Armagh at underage level.

Caolan lost his battle earlier this morning. A battle he fought with enormous courage, strength & dignity
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
All club activities are suspended pic.twitter.com/nLuGJYi7Bq
— Crossmaglen Rangers (@crossrangers) August 23, 2024

Tributes have been paid to Caolan.

"So sad," said Armagh senior football panel coach Kieran Donaghy.

"Devastating loss for his family, friends and the Crossmaglen community. Stringer battled as hard as he could, showed up at a session before the All Ireland to inspire the Armagh boys, it worked. Rest in peace Caolan."

"The Staff, Students and Board of Governors of St Colman’s College are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our esteemed past pupil Caolan Finnegan," said his former school.

BBC broadcaster Thomas Niblock added: "Life is beyond cruel. A fine man, from a brilliant family, Caolán Finnegan died this morning. Represented Armagh, Crossmaglen & St Colman’s Newry. Tried everything to fight off Brain cancer. A warrior on the field and off it. A role model for us all. He was just 20."