AN EX-GAA player battling a brain tumour has been told his treatment has "stopped working".
Kevin Carey (35), from Portglenone in Co Antrim, fell ill with seizures in July 2015 and was later told he had an aggressive brain tumour.
A fundraising campaign has already brought in more than £237,600 in the last nine months to help meet his medical expenses.
But despite extensive treatment, including brain surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and further specialist surgery in London, doctors have been unable to remove the whole tumour.
Mr Carey is a civil engineer and Portglenone GAA member who played from underage through to senior level.
A message on a Facebook page, Kevin Carey's Fight Against Brain Tumour, believed to have been written by his wife Natasha, said his treatment had "suddenly stopped working".
"In March, very suddenly, literally over the space of a few days, Kevin became very seriously unwell," it said.
"We got an urgent scan, and received absolutely devastating news. Kevin's treatment has suddenly stopped working...the tumour is back again...and there is nothing that can stop it this time. Kevin's medical team are devastated, and as shocked as we are. Kevin was doing so incredibly well.
"Kevin is so strong, so calm and is comfortable, I am so proud of him...and we are being really brave, in facing this devastating news, and stage of Kevin's courageous fight."
The message urged people to pray for Kevin and anyone else fighting a brain tumour.
"I know Kevin is a huge inspiration, and he wants you to keep going...to keep getting out of bed each day, to love, live and laugh...even when you don't feel like smiling," it said.
"Thank you for all your love, prayers, company and support. I am so sorry to have to tell you this heart breaking news, it has been so hard to take in.
"We respectfully please ask for some privacy for Kevin..his family, mine and his loved ones at this time, whilst we come to terms. Thank you so much xx."
