Friends host charity events in memory of soccer coach Paul

FRIENDS of the late Paul McGhee, who died last year due to complications accrued from a stem cell transplant, and following a battle with cancer, are hosting charity events in aid of Harold’s Cross Hospice.

Paul left a lasting impression on those that he met throughout his short, but full, 24-years and some of his friends are organising a football match and a hike in his memory this weekend.

Nearly a year on from his death, two Firhouse Carmel FC teams made up of his brothers Stephen and Jason, his close friends, school mates and former teammates will go head-to-head in the charity match.

Paul was a beloved volunteer coach in Firhouse Carmel, and the match will see Firhouse 97s take on Firhouse 98s in a game that “encapsulates the time Paul spent playing for Firhouse Carmel FC”.

Taking place this Saturday, June 23, the game will kick off at 2pm in Carrig Wood.

A GoFundMe has been set-up for the charity events, and it states that “we are doing this in memory and celebration of Paul McGhee, in a sport he loved and enjoyed for so many years, by those that loved and cherished him so dearly”.

Paul in hospital

Meanwhile, at the same time, two friends and schoolmates of Paul, Donnacha Lynch and Vimal Jain will embark on a four-day 130km hike through Wicklow Way.

Honouring the everlasting impression Paul left on them, Donnacha and Vimal will do the hike between June 23 and June 26.

Football was a big deal in Paul’s life and as a massive Liverpool FC fan, it gave him a boost during his illness when Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler and Ian Rush, along with Paul McGrath sent him messages of support.

The young Firhouse man was always smiling even as he underwent treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the resulting battle with side effects.

Prior to his diagnosis, the end of 2019 was a good period in Paul’s life with the young man meeting the “love of his life” Joanna, graduating with a degree from TU Dublin and starting a job in AIB.

However, in December of that year, he discovered a lump on his chest bone which enlarged rapidly over the Christmas period.

Following an x-ray in Tallaght University Hospital and other consultations, Paul was diagnosed, at the age of 22, with stage two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.

After undergoing chemotherapy and receiving the all-clear, it was advised that he undergo an autologous stem cell transplant, which is using his own blood, and in November 2020, he did.

However, in the intervening months throughout 2021, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma returned, Paul underwent immunotherapy treatment, chemotherapy, and immunosuppressive therapy.

Paul’s blood type was changed from O+ to A+ after undergoing an allogeneic stem cell transplant and he developed a series of other complications as a result.

As he developed a series of different complications, the 24-year-old fought incredibly hard and, despite digging deep, was transferred from St James’s Hospital to palliative care.

Paul spent six-weeks in Harold’s Cross Hospice before dying on July 12, 2022.

“We are heartbroken to have lost our eldest son, Paul,” his mam, Denise McGhee, told The Echo shortly after his passing last year.

“He did win his battle against Hodgkin’s Lymphoma but lost out to post stem cell complications/side effects.

“He has left a legacy behind him.

“We saw how loved he was at his funeral.

“Hundreds of people paid their respects in and outside of the church.

“Fly high Paul, this world was just a stepping stone to greater things for you.

“You made us so proud.”

To contribute to the fundraiser, visit Go Fund Me HERE