Crossmaglen gaelic footballer Caolan Finnegan has died a year after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
Finnegan, 20, played for Crossmaglen as recently as a year ago.
Armagh football manager Kieran McGeeney said after his team’s recent All-Ireland triumph that Finnegan would almost certainly have been part of Sam Maguire Cup winning squad but for his illness.
A post from the Crossmaglen club on X on Friday said that “Caolan lost his battle earlier this morning”.
“A battle he fought with enormous courage, strength and dignity. We are so proud of you Caolan,” said the Crossmaglen club.
“You will be forever remembered as one of the greatest who ever donned the black and amber. Rest in peace Stringer.”
His club-mate, Armagh player Oisin O’Neill wore a tee shirt publicising the campaign to raise funds for Finnegan’s treatment during the news conference at Croke Park following the county’s All-Ireland Final victory.
Over the last number of months, the fund-raising drive raised over £300,000 which enabled Finnegan to travel to Germany a number of times for specialised cancer treatment.
A week ago, Finnegan’s club asked for “prayers” for the 20-year-old.
Armagh GAA said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Caolan Finnegan.
“We send our most sincere condolences to Caolan’s family, his friends and fellow gaels from Crossmaglen Rangers and the wider GAA family during this difficult time.
“Please continue to keep them in your prayers.”
Armagh captain Aidan Forker visited Finnegan along with the Sam Maguire Cup following the county’s All-Ireland triumph.
Former Celtic manager and Lurgan man Neil Lennon also visited the Crossmaglen man in recent weeks.
Finnegan scored one of Crossmaglen’s goals in their Armagh Final win over Granemore in 2022 and played underage football for his county in addition to being an Ulster Colleges All-Star during his time at St Colman’s College, Newry.
