Crossmaglen Gaelic football player Caolan Finnegan has died a year after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Finnegan, 20, played for Crossmaglen just a year ago.

Armagh football manager Kieran McGeeney said after his team’s recent All-Ireland triumph that, had it not been for his illness, Finnegan would almost certainly have been part of the Sam Maguire Cup-winning side.

A post by the Crossmaglen Club on X said on Friday that “Caolan lost his fight this morning”.

“A fight he fought with tremendous courage, strength and dignity. We are so proud of you, Caolan,” said the Crossmaglen Club.

“We will forever remember you as one of the greatest to ever wear black and amber. Rest in peace, Stringer.”

His clubmate, Armagh player Oisin O’Neill, wore a T-shirt promoting the campaign to raise funds for Finnegan’s treatment during the press conference in Croke Park following the county’s victory in the All-Ireland final.

Over the past few months, the fundraiser has raised over £300,000, enabling Finnegan to make several trips to Germany to undergo specialist 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 passing of Caolan Finnegan.

“We send our sincere condolences to Caolan’s family, friends and fellow Crossmaglen Rangers players and the wider GAA family at this difficult time.

“Please continue to pray for her.”

Armagh captain Aidan Forker visited Finnegan along with the Sam Maguire Cup following the county’s All-Ireland triumph.

Former Celtic manager and Lurgan player Neil Lennon also visited the man from Crossmaglen in recent weeks.

Finnegan scored one of Crossmaglen’s goals in their victory over Granemore in the 2022 Armagh final and played youth football for his county, as well as being an Ulster College All-Star during his time at St Colman’s College, Newry.