The funeral details for an Armagh GAA player who lost his battle with brain cancer have been released as tributes continue to pour in for the ‘tremendous fighter’. Caolan Finnegan, 20, of Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, passed away on Friday, August 23, following a brave battle with an aggressive form of the disease, which saw travel to Germany for treatment in the weeks leading to his death. The Armagh native, also known as ‘Stringer’, passed away peacefully at Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry, surrounded by his loving family on Friday.
His passing prompted hundreds of tributes to flood in for the much-loved GAA player, who had played on county panels for his home country for all under-age groups. His RIP.ie death notice reads : ‘The death has occurred of Caolan Finnegan (Crossmaglen) on the 23rd August 2024 peacefully at Daisy Hill Hospital Newry with his loving family by his side.
Cherished son of Liam & Janette. Beloved brother of Stephen, Ronan, Patsy & Liam Óg. ‘Dear boyfriend of Emily.
Brother-in-law of Elaine & Hannah. Devoted uncle of Ayla, Fiadh & Shea. Predeceased by his grandparents Patsy & Mary Finnegan RIP & his aunts Patricia & Marian RIP.
Devoted grandson of Michael & Eileen Hughes. ‘Deeply regretted by his heartbroken parents, brothers, girlfriend, grandparents, nephew, nieces, extended Finnegan & Hughes family, neighbours, friends & fellow Gaels around the world.’ In the days following the GAA star’s death, tributes have poured in from across the country, with the 20-year-old remembered as an ‘inspiration’ to many up and down the island.
One local penned: ‘So so sorry to hear this sad news he put up a tremendous battle with this horrendous disease. We were all hoping he would win this fight. Taken far too soon.
To his parents, brothers, and girlfriend, I offer my deepest condolences. ‘May you find comfort in the knowledge that he is no longer in pain. To his club and the wider GAA family, I offer my sympathy.
May Caolan rest in peace.’ Another wrote: ‘To Caolan’s parents, brother’s girlfriend, and family, I am so sorry for the loss of Caolan. He has touched so many hearts.
May he rest in peace. ‘Every county has been praying for him and his family. It was lovely that he got to hold Sam after the Armagh All-Ireland win.
Crossmaglen Rangers should be so proud of all their efforts to raise money for Caolan’s treatment. It just confirms how much Caolan and his family were loved.’ Local GAA Club, Cross Rangers , where Caolan was a member, took to social media to pay tribute to the star player.
In an emotional tribute, they wrote: ‘Stringer, when you were on the field, you left everyone spellbound. Off the field, your gentle and unassuming manner endeared everyone you met. Your beautiful smile engraved in our hearts forever.
‘It’s not goodbye; it’s see you later. Rest Easy, Stringer.’ Caolan’s funeral will take place today, August 26, at 11 am in St Patrick’s Church, Crossmaglen, before his burial in the adjoining graveyard.
His RIP.ie notice reads: ‘Funeral on Monday, 26th August, leaving his home at 10.15 am to St Patrick’s Church, Crossmaglen (via the Rangers Field), arriving for Requiem Mass at 11 am.
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