It is enormously sad news that our friend Kano, Martin Kane, succumbed to his illness this morning. Kano was an ever-present on CQN for four years, on occasion writing our match reports, until illness struck in 2008. He was left completely paralysed, eventually only able to communicate through a machine, requiring round the clock care.
He was isolated in hospital in his home city of Perth, Western Australia, lonely for him and difficult for his wife Carolyn and their family, with no realistic chance of recovery. On hearing this news, CQN reacted in an incredible way. Our also now-departed friend, Pablophanque, wrote, “We need to get this guy home”, and a campaign started to raise the tens of thousands of pounds required to transform part of his home into an appropriate care facility.
As the campaign got underway I remember being concerned, it was going to take at least £60k and I thought we had no chance of getting close to this. Pablo (memorably) didn’t want to head the campaign he started but others soon stepped in and the Bring Martin Home got underway in earnest. Those behind it moved heaven and earth, and within a few months, the money was in place and Kano was back living at home with his family.
The Kano Foundation, a remarkable self-funded organisation which takes kids groups and charities to Celtic games, was established by those running the Bring Martin Home campaign, to harness the expertise and goodwill for on-going good, in Martin’s name.
When I first met Kano’s dad, Matt, who himself is no longer with us, six years ago, I was caught off-guard when he talked about Kano’s life expectancy. Unable to move he was enormously vulnerable to any prosaic infection. He suffered a few health scares but fought through them for far longer than many anticipated.
We got him back on the blog briefly, sharing some of his gratitude for the work done and his humour, but he explained the hours it took to compose his few sentences. He continued to watch Celtic, of course.
This morning our thoughts go to Carolyn and the kids, as well as to his good pal Ramie and those who cared for Martin. Those who decided to get off their arses and change the world for one family back in 2008 should be very proud of what they did, and the years at home they gave Kano.
2,068 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- ...
- 55
- »
By the way, long with Pablophanque, thinking about Lurgan 53 this evening.
Codladh samh Dwyer.
Ard Macha
Tallybhoy
Nice words on your post.HH
RIP , Martin.
Must have been some man.
Gabriel in Belfast
Fine words …I’ve nothing to add after reading them
Sad , desperately sad news
God Bless
Tallybhoy
18:04 on
9 January, 2015
In a nutshell m8…
RIP Kano…
Just in from work.
Sorry to hear about MK.
Rip Kano sincere condolences to all his family and friends.
Old Tim
Top class ole pal
HH
Zico-maltese bhoy
Thank you for the kind words.
I never knew Kano but I have had the great pleasure of meeting many CQNers at a couple of BMCUW’s hootenannies, as well as a few smaller gatherings of some of the Ayrshire-based Tims on here.
Gentlemen one and all!
That is certainly evident today.
HH!!
Canamalar
A few beers first!
archdeaconsbench
Thank you!
HH!!
THELURKINTIM
Not now,bud.
Mibbe today can be a day off from the irreverence.
RIP Kano
PK, if you are looking in… Thoughts and prayers pal…
TBM
Moving stuff on here today and two great clips from CRC. Rest in peace Kano.
Rip Kano
After reading this earlier on i noticed that Kano’s Ghirl was running at Dundalk tonight at 18.05 and thought this was a sign from above.
Guess what 11th
Martin an auld friend in pablo is waiting for ye
Take care and RIP
A sad, sad day for the CQN family.
A great blogger and a truly brave man!
RIP Kano.
HH
/Bishop B
apologies if already covered but it looks like the game is on at noon tomorrow on Premier sports in UK and Setanta 1 in Ireland
Robcfc11
That’s a fine idea.
RIP
Harry Fathersham
Rest In Peace, Martin
This Bud is for you!
THELURKINTIM
Sorry,mate. Didnae mean to sound sanctimonious.
I expect a few rip-roaring vids and tales to remind people of happier times with KANO.
It was with much sadness I read about the passing of Kano, it was his story that brought CQN to my attention, he was one very brave bhoy.
Hail Hail Kano RIP
It’s been great seeing some of the “old names” appear today albeit under sad circumstances.
Tims Reunited…
RIP Martin Kane
CQN showing incredible class today.
Just logged on, in the Smiddy on way to Paolo Nutini concert, totally gutted
RIP Kano
This world is a poorer place with the passing of Martin Kane
Heavens gain .. A better but far noisier place tonight
I became aware of CQN, round about the time of the “Bring Kano home” campaign got underway. I was too late to read any of his post or comment on him, obviously I have never met him either, however the news of his death was like a death in the family.
RIP Kano, hope you can still pick up the Celtic games up there
KevJungle – Wheres Murdo ? the Jungle? Hugh? Gerry? the Celtic?
16:45 on
9 January, 2015
Celticrollercoaster supporting Shay,our bhoy wonder along the way
16:16 on 9 January, 2015
_____________________
Hand on heart…..any time that I come onto the blog, I scroll past all the charity stuff….thinking that – “…ach well, I’ve thrown the odd £10 in a bucket so – I’ve done my bit.”…an fast-forward to duel with all the happy-clappers. I’m being truthful and, it’s killing me inside to admit that I’m a bad person for not paying attention to the details. Your – youtube clips of Martin have sent me on one mega-guilt trip(is that a catholic thing?)…even though I’m lapsed? Your clips of Martin Kane make me feel terrible about myself for – not doing enough and, ye know what?….I thank you for that. This is one strange, sad day.
Thank you – Hail Hail
===========================
Kev-J
Apologies first chance I have had to respond. Thanks for the post. I did think twice about posting the vids
I first watched the first video when Pablo published it on youtube without the permission of the TV company that published it. He was right to do so. It was a Friday night and I watched it with many tears in my eyes and Mrs CRC brought me back down to earth as she does, and said “you’ve known about this for months, and done nothing, yet you’re crying tonight”. Whether, the video and/or Mrs CRC inspired me through stubbornness ( I’ll show her), I don’t know, but that night I made my mind up to help Martin, a person, a fellow blogger in need. I must admit Kano’s plight made me a better person (only at times, though) and taught me to think about others.
For the first 39 years of my life, I did nothing really to help anybody other than myself. Yes I donated to causes but never did a bit more or enough as you say. That does not make me a bad person for not doing it before, nor does it make you a bad person now.
I am guessing that it is at times like this, which presents us opportunities and shapes us going forward ( never go backwards!). We can all shine in our own ways and there is always time to stand up and take the baton. This may come in many ways and forms.
So, beat yourself up for other things, but not this.
Peace on CQN blog today!
HH
CRC
ps the second vid was done by MWD and was shown on the big screen at H/T prior to the Race & Auction night.
pps as Gordon_J quite aptly put it today. A cast of thousands brought Kano Home
Like many on here today I am a long time lurker who has never dreamed of going through the “initiation” process but I feel I had to today after hearing the news of Martins sad passing. All the posts from today and the many being posted of times past just instil the belief that there is something wonderful about being part of the Celtic family. I for one am proud that Martin Kane was a fellow fan and am equally as proud that the people who continue to post are too. A big Hail Hail to all Celts past and present.
Very sad news today on Kano, he joins the many other greats that have graced this blog and are sadly no longer with us. Life is very fragile and precious.
My thoughts are with Carolyn and his family.
RIP Martin Kane
RIP Martin
Happy memories
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6z00nYCcAE77Zt.jpg:large
Kano will be with these Bhoys now.
HH
Gabriel lovely post YNWA
CelticDaft, welcome tae the Madhoose!
Post away, no stupid question from me.
Glad to have you.
TheLurkinTim:-)
I’ve never asked that question.
But it has to be asked.
Hi CQNrs.
I think today regarding all the posts for Martin Kane(I only know this gentleman from being a long time lurker)I think all the posts today have surely shown what this blog is surely about.Wether it is debating signings,the lack of signings or the board.And other opinions.Surely now is the time to unite for this special person.HH.
God rest and keep ye Kano.
Condolences to all Martins loved ones.
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 12th July 2009
Thanks for the easy initiation Lurkin and Doc – sure it will be remedied in any future posts when times are not so sad. Today is about someone else.
At least The Warriors still exist:-)