Former Derry City player Mark Farren dies aged 33

TRIBUTES from across the sports spectrum have been paid to former Derry City record goal scorer, Mark Farren who has died.

The 33-year-old former striker died on Wednesday morning following a long struggle with an aggressive brain tumour.

A native of Co Donegal, Farren played with Finn Harps and Glenavon.

However, it was with the Candy Stripes of Derry City that he found fame as a goal scorer. In a nine-year career with the Brandywell club, Farren scored 114 goals in 209 appearances.

‘Missing’ notes from Stormont executive meeting on Bobby Storey funeral handed to Covid inquiry

Ciara McElvanna: Family to raise cash for hospital unit at Belfast marathon

Farren won two FAI Cup winners’ medals in 2006 and 2012. In 2005, he was voted Player of the Year by the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland.

After leaving Derry City, he transferred to Glenavon but was forced to retire early in 2013 due to his illness.

Derry City fans rallied to his support last year by raising money to send Farren to Mexico for treatment for the brain tumour.

Tributes to the former player have come from all sports. His former playing partner at Derry City, Republic of Ireland star, James McClean expressed shock at news of his death.

In a post on Twitter, McClean said: "Gutted to hear news of the death of my former teammate Mark Farren, great player, even better man, prayers are with his family, RIP buddy."

Three-time All lreland winner with Tyrone, Owen Mulligan also offered his condolences, posting: "Sad news about the passing of Mark Farren – RIP."

Derry GAA also used its official Twitter account to offer condolences to the Farren family and all associated with Derry City.

Political tributes were led by deputy first minister, Martin McGuinness who said the former player had fought a "courageous battle."

He said: "Mark will be remembered by Derry City supporters and the people of Derry for his exploits on the football pitch, but he was much more than a footballer.

"He was also a gentleman and loyal friend."

SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood described news of the former star’s death as "terrible."

Confirming news of his death, Derry City chairman, Phillip O’Doherty said Farren was a superb player.

"I think the entire football community throughout Ireland would say the same. But most of all he was a decent human being," Mr O’Doherty said.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Elisha McCallion, and Derry City Football Club will jointly open a book of condolence at the Brandywell on Thursday.

"This is a very sad day for the people of Derry and Donegal," Ms McCallion said.

"Mark was a true gentlemen in every sense of the word. He loved sport and was a real ambassador for soccer across the north west."

Derry City FC chairman Phillip O'Doherty said: "We offer our sympathies to his family. He was a superb player and I think the entire football community throughout Ireland would say the same. But, most of all, he was a decent human being."