In the case of Conor and Anne Horgan, their young boy Michael was eight-years-old. Michael was a sports-mad fan. His favourite soccer teams were Arsenal and Bohemians, and he was a big Dubs GAA fan, too.

When Michael, as an energetic six-year-old, was suddenly diagnosed with a brain tumour, Conor and Anne’s world was turned upside down. Michael battled bravely through treatments for 18 months before succumbing to the cancer on 4th October, 2023.

During that time, Conor and Anne dedicated themselves to their beautiful young boy and made what was left of his short life, full of unforgettable sporting memories.

When Michael passed less than two years ago, his mum and dad appreciated the help they got from others in their time of need. They recall with great thanks, the generosity of family, friends and wonderful charities, that helped make wonderful memories for Michael and them in his latter months.

What they experienced became the inspiration for Michael’s Fan Club, a charity that is now providing similar ongoing sporting-related support to children and their parents in the equally tragic circumstances that they have found themselves. Michael’s Fan Club is now bringing smiles to children that are battling cancer and invaluable comfort for their parents, and you can help.

How? Check out their website at: www.https://michaelsfanclub.ie/help/

Your support, however small, will be hugely appreciated. It will go directly to giving children like Michael a good time while they experience the great joy and distraction it brings them!

“Daddy, is Maradona in Heaven?”

A father’s bedtime chat with his terminally ill son on life after death. One of many heart-wrenching moments in a story that will have every parent holding their children a little closer as they read of seven-year-old Michael Horgan’s battle with cancer.

Written by Michael’s father, Conor, it resonates with unspeakable sorrow of how he and his wife Anne faced the loss of their incredibly brave only-child.

Yet Michael’s story, with all its darkness, pain and disappointment, is wrapped in the deep warmth of his parents’ love and their crusade to make his final months ones to remember and cherish forever.

All proceeds from the sale of this book will go to Michael’s Fan Club. It will go on sale on 2nd September and can be pre-ordered at: https://michaelsfanclub.ie/product/is-maradona-in-heaven/

Priced at €25, ‘Is Maradona in Heaven?’ will begin shipping from 3rd September 2025 (Free postage within Ireland). And remember, all proceeds from the sale of this book will go to Michael’s Fan Club.

The book was edited for Conor by well-known motoring writer and editor, Eddie Cunningham.