The family of the Crossmaglen GAA player who lost his battle with cancer last month have expressed their “deepest gratitude” to all who supported them during that difficult time.
Caolan Finnegan’s family offered an acknowledgement ahead of his month’s mind mass, which will be celebrated on Saturday, September 21, at 6.30pm in St Patrick’s Church, Crossmaglen.
Caolan (20), known affectionately to many as ‘Stringer’, son of Liam and Janette, sadly passed away following a courageous battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer on the morning of August 23.
In a statement released today (Tuesday), the family said they would like to, “express our deepest gratitude to all those who have sympathised with us on the recent and untimely loss of our beloved, cherished son, brother, brother in law, grandson, uncle, godfather, nephew, cousin, boyfriend and friend”.
It continued: “A special word of thanks to our extended family, friends, neighbours and local businesses who provided us with great support and care previous to and during the time of Caolan’s passing.
“To the many people who travelled from near and far to Caolan’s wake and funeral and to those who sent mass cards, messages of sympathy, online condolences and beautiful floral tributes, thank you kindly.
“Heartfelt thanks to Crossmaglen Rangers, Crossmaglen Camogie and LGFA for their organisation and support. To the many teams, clubs, organisations and schools, in particular the ones Caolan played for and received his education in for their Guard of Honour and to everyone who lined the streets in honour of Caolan, your presence was heartwarming, greatly appreciated and acknowledged.
“Thank you to all the stewards for their assistance and a special mention to Caolan’s friends, teammates and all who were coffin bearers, please be assured of the great comfort you gave us, we are forever grateful.
“Sincere thanks to Fr. Dermot for celebrating Caolan’s requiem mass. We appreciate his great support and guidance during Caolan’s illness also.
“To Sionan & Odhran Murphy for enhancing the ceremony with their beautiful music and singing, Dearbhla McCoy for the lovely remembrance mass booklets, Siobhan at Fleur ‘n’ Bloom for the beautiful floral arrangements, Mona McEntee and staff for the providing and serving the food and refreshments after the funeral and Crossmaglen Rangers for the use of their premises, our deepest appreciation to you all.
“To Brendan, Paddy, Larry and Eugene of McConville Funeral Directors for your kindness, support and the dignified manner with which all the funeral arrangements were carried out, we are truly grateful.
“To all of the medical teams who cared for Caolan over the past year; Drs Margaret Fee & Connolly and the staff of Crossmaglen Health Centre, the teams at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Cancer Care Centre at Belfast City Hospital, Daisy Hill, Hallwang Clinic Germany, district nurses, Dermot Bellew (physio) and the many other medical professions who cared for Caolan at home, your care and compassion towards him and our family will never be forgotten.
“We will be forever indebted for the unwavering support and dedication received from Gareth O’Neill and the Care for Caolan team, they worked tirelessly for Caolan’s cause.
“This of course was down to the immeasurable generosity of all who donated to the fundraising initiative and your generosity speaks volumes. Your kindness accomplished much and will never be forgotten.
“To all who prayed for Caolan and the many people who joined in the rosary recitations, this gave us much needed strength, thank you.
“As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust this acknowledgement will be accepted by all with our heartfelt thanks. The holy sacrifice of the mass will be offered for your intentions.
“Caolan’s life was a blessing, his memory is a treasure, he is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
“St. Pio of Pietrelcina pray for him.”
