Crossmaglen Rangers and Armagh underage footballer Caolan Finnegan passed away this morning after a battle with cancer.
The 20-year-old had been fighting an aggressive form of brain cancer since last year, leading to the 'Care for Caolan' campaign which was set up in aid of his recovery.
His Crossmaglen club-mates and Armagh's All-Ireland winners regularly referenced him as an inspiration, with Oisin O'Neill wearing a t-shirt in his honour after winning Sam Maguire last month.
Photo credit: Maurice Brosnan.
Crossmaglen Rangers confirmed the devastating news on social media on Thursday morning, describing Finnegan as 'one of the greatest who ever donned the black and amber.'
"Caolan lost his battle earlier this morning," read their statement.
"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."
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
Affectionately known as stringer, Finnegan was a bright young talent who represented Armagh at underage level.
He played a key role for Crossmaglen in their 2022 county championship victory, scoring the first goal in the final against Granemore. He was an Ulster school's All-Star for St Colman's College Newry in 2022.
Kieran Donaghy hailed Stringer for battling as hard as he could, and the Armagh selector says he inspired the team by attending a session before the All-Ireland.
"So sad," tweeted 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."
May he Rest in Peace.
