THE IRISH FOOTBALL community, both north and south of the border, is today in mourning following the passing of former Derry City striker Mark Farren aged 33.
Farren passed away on Wednesday morning following a brave battle with cancer and FAI chief executive John Delaney described his death as a ‘devastating blow to everybody in Irish football.’
“He was not only a tremendous talent, but a real gentleman, who was widely respected in the League and very popular with his team-mates throughout his years in the game,” Delaney said.
“I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Mark’s family.”
Derry’s all-time leading scorer was one of the most prolific strikers the League of Ireland has ever seen as he helped the Candystripes win the FAI Cup in 2006 and 2012 as well as five League Cup crowns.
He was presented with an FAI Hall of Fame award in 2014 and was voted PFAI Player of the Year in 2005. His final club football was played in the Irish League with Glenavon FC.
Ireland international James McClean, who played alongside Farren at the Brandywell, paid tribute to his former team-mate in an emotional post on social media, while Martin McGuinness and Gary Lineker were among those to pay their respects.
Gone but not forgotten.