New fundraising appeal launched for GAA player battling aggressive brain cancer

The family and friends of a GAA player battling an aggressive form of brain cancer have issued a plea for support for life-saving funds to cover very expensive treatment abroad. 

Caolan Finnegan (20), from Co Armagh, who is known as ‘Stringer’, was diagnosed with the disease last August.

Prior to his illness, he played Gaelic football for his club, Crossmaglen Rangers. He has also represented Armagh at various under-age levels as well as featuring for St Colman’s College, Newry.

In March, a GoFundMe appeal 'Care for Caolan' was launched for to help fund very expensive treatment abroad.

Despite raising over £100,000 (€116,000) already, his family still requires significantly more financial support as his initial treatment in Germany has cost €146,000 – around €58,000 more than originally quoted. Subsequent treatments abroad will also cost in the region of €88,000 per visit.

One of the fundraising organisers, Gareth O'Neill explained: "You may have noticed I have edited the targeted amount, originally we set the target at £100k but I have raised that now to £310k to reflect the £210k that a further 3 treatments in Germany will cost

"The response over this past couple of days has been phenomenal and it is a great start to raising the additional £200k we need.

"Please look out for our new Care for Caolan Facebook page,  on which we will be putting up details of upcoming fundraisers and news. Please share the link," Gareth wrote on their GoFundMe appeal.  

"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," he said. 

A number of fundraising events have been held with more due to take place. 

"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," the organisers said.