Charity launched in memory of Dublin boy who lived sporting dream despite cancer

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

A host of sporting greats have come together to launch a new charity and book in memory of an eight-year-old Dubliner who achieved his sporting dreams in his final months.

World Cup icon Niall Quinn, Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley and Dublin GAA stars Con O’Callaghan and Kate Sullivan were centre stage as children’s cancer charity, Michael’s Fan Club, was unveiled in honour of Michael Horgan, who died of brain cancer in 2023.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy and soccer legend Liam Brady are also supporting the new group.

The charity was launched in Dublin on Tuesday night alongside a book, Is Maradona In Heaven?, a heartbreaking but uplifting account of the schoolboy’s 18-month cancer journey, written by Michael’s father, Conor Horgan.

Facing the certainty of his imminent death from incurable brain cancer, Michael’s parents, Conor and Anne, found inspiration in his bravery to fill his final months with the people and things he loved, many of them rooted in sport.

Among them was playing with Rory McIlroy at the Irish Open Pro-Am, thanks to the Make-A-Wish charity.

The book recounts how, alongside endless gifts of signed merchandise from sports stars, Terenure boy Michael led out Spurs against Manchester United in the Premier League, welcomed the victorious Dubs to his bedroom, and received a video message from Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.

Its publication is in aid of the new charity, founded by Conor and Anne, which aims to bring joy to children battling cancer through sport.

Michael’s Fan Club plans to light up the lives of children in treatment through similar experiences – taking them to matches and securing mascot slots, meet-ups with sporting heroes and securing signed jerseys and other items.

Mr Horgan said, “Many of the sports fans who helped Michael on his journey have come together now to help out other sick kids.

“As the name suggests, this fan base is at the heart of the charity.

“As was the case with Michael, one of the hardest things for children in treatment is having to forego active sport.

“With Michael’s Fan Club, we’re plugging a gap in keeping the thrill of sport alive for them, albeit in a different way.

“I think the book is in part a tribute to my son. It is also, perhaps, a guide of sorts for parents navigating a child’s cancer.

“But mostly it’s simply the thoughts and experiences of a father confronted by the unthinkable.”

Mr Horgan, a public relations veteran, is regularly in the media in his role as spokesperson for the business group, Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL).

Edited by journalist Eddie Cunningham, Is Maradona In Heaven? is available from michaelsfanclub.ie with all proceeds going to the Michael’s Fan Club charity.