The Border community of Cavan has rallied behind a 19-year-old county GAA player as he begins his fight against cancer.

Caoimhin McGovern, from Glanglevin not far from Blacklion was diagnosed with Stage Two Lymphoma cancer shortly after his 19th birthday in July of this year.

Caoimhin had been making a name for himself as a County GAA player including in a recent match against Fermanagh senior in the National League where he scored two points.

The popular former St.Mogue’s College student is the son of the Chrissy McGovern and the late Michael Anthony McGovern, he is currently undergoing treatment in the Sligo General Hospital.

The devastating diagnosis is compounded by the passing of both Caoimhin’s father and paternal grandmother to cancer within month of each other in 2018.

One of those who has rallied behind Caoimhin and his family is his best friend and clubmate Declan McLoughlin (20) who has organised a shave or dye fundraiser for the popular Shannon Gaels man.

The fundraiser has been supported from across the island of Ireland and beyond and has raised over €26,000

Declan, a barber in Blacklion by trade decided the best way to support Caoimhin would be a shave or dye fundraiser as Caoimhin will lose his hair during his treatment and thought it was a good way of showing support for his friend.

Speaking about the reaction to the fundraiser, Declan said: “It took off and we didn’t expect it to. It’s going savage well at the moment. There are now 55 lads down to shave or dye their hair. It shows how well known and well liked Caoimhin is.” Declan then added: “Not everyone can get 55 lads to shave or dye their hair for them.”

The outstanding support for Caoimhin has came from across the many groups and friends he has, Declan said: “There are a group of lads from Shannon Gaels, county players for Cavan seniors and Cavan under 20s, there could be 15 or 20 of them taking part and there is a group of close lads that he went to school with in St Mogue’s College and then just a few ones from around Blacklion and around Glan[glevin].”

Declan spoke movingly to this newspaper about his friend and his diagnosis. He said: “I have known Caoimhin my whole life. We went to primary school, secondary school together, played football together. You could say as long as I remember I have known him.

“He has gone through a lot in the past few years, and it has been tough on the family.”

The money raised from the Shave or Dye fundraiser will be split between the Oncology ward, Cavan General Hospital and the Oncology ward, Sligo University Hospital.

Declan said: “The oncology ward in Cavan were a great support to Caoimhan’s father Michael Anthony, and the oncology ward in Sligo have been superb with Caoimhin, their work and support can’t go unnoticed.”

Due to social distancing regulations the shave and dye will take place remotely with participants posting their new haircuts on social media on Wednesday, September 15.

If you wish to donate to this fundraiser, you can donate via https://tinyurl.com/4ujbw3fc.