Large Longford contingent turn out to support Ballymahon ‘Battler's’ cancer fight

Ballymahon father of one Fintan McDonald’s life was turned upside down at the end of January when a niggling pain in his right hip turned out to be stage four sarcoma.

Typically rare, sarcomas are rare forms of cancer that develop in the bones and soft tissue which, in many instances, result in being difficult to treat and aggressive in nature.

Fintan, who has just completed his fourth session of radiotherapy, has been told he will require long term treatment in order to keep a lid on his cancer and prolong his life for as long as possible.

A gofundme appeal entitled McDonald Family Support Fund was set up at the end of last month in a bid to provide financial respite to Fintan, his wife Edel and the couple’s two year-old son Fintan.

A heartbreaking post on the fundraising online platform on behalf of friends of the McDonald family, told of the huge emotional and financial toll Fintan’s devastating diagnosis has brought.

“This is sure to be a long, arduous road for the McDonald family and they are in need of our friendship and support now more than ever,” read the post.

“Fintan and Edel are always first to help others in need and now they are in need and we are asking for your help and support.

To date, over €110,000 has been raised in support of the 44-year-old, more than double what the campaign had originally set out to generate.

A tractor run and suitably termed “Battle for Battler” charity match, both of which were held last Sunday only served to illustrate the esteem and regard in which both Fintan and the McDonald family are held in.

Several of Fintan's friends and family joined via live streaming from near and far courtesy of Ballymahon TV and its entertaining commentator Mickey Farrell.

Among those to tune in from America were Fintan’s brother Eric, sister-in-law Mags and niece Ellie.

The result, which ended in a thrilling penalty shootout win for Carrickboy Celtic over Ballymahon AFC fittingly underlined the compelling nature of an afternoon that was solely geared to the gallant virtues of one man.

“The crowds showed how much the McDonald family are supported in Ballymahon and the surrounding areas,” said Declan O'Neill.

“And this has been evident from the minute the GoFundMe page was set up four weeks ago which reached over €100,000 last week.

“It is Fintan who is usually out helping people in the community but it is now our turn to help the McDonald family and I know how much this means to Fintan, Edel and all the McDonald family.”

From the strength of empathy and unanimity on display on Sunday.

Fintan's ongoing battle is one the town of Ballymahon and beyond is very much behind.