It is with heavy hearts that we bring you the heartbreaking news that Derry City legend Mark Farren has sadly lost his battle with cancer.
The former striker had been fighting a grade four brain tumour for six years before passing away in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Farren, Derry’s all-time leading goalscorer with 114 goals in 209 appearances, had travelled to Mexico last summer to undergo special treatment that was unavailable to him in Europe.
A fundraising campaign was set up for the Donegal native to raise funds for his treatment and the money raised surpassed all expectations.
Farren was named League of Ireland players’ player of the year in 2005 and was one of the most popular men ever to play in the league.
Shortly after the news broke, tributes began pouring in for the 33-year-old.
It is with great sadness that we learn this morning of the passing of the clubs all-time top goal scorer Mark Farren https://t.co/BxBpsow9mY
— Derry City FC (@derrycityfc) February 3, 2016
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
— James McClean (@JamesMcC14) February 3, 2016
RIP Mark Farren 😢- loved watching him play for Derry city and scoring goals, what a player
— Paddy madden (@Paddymadden) February 3, 2016
We are all shocked & saddened to hear about the passing of Mark Farren deepest condolences to his family & many friends may he rest in peace
— Finn Harps FC (@FinnHarpsFC) February 3, 2016
Sad to hear the passing of Mark Farren today.Our POTY in 2005 an incredible player and an incredible man. RIP Mark. pic.twitter.com/ZTNie9hJ80
— PFA Ireland (@PFAIOfficial) February 3, 2016
Thoughts with the family of Ex @Glenavon_FC and @derrycityfc player Mark Farren who has sadly passed away after a brave battle with cancer.
— Irish FA (@IrishFA) February 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/DanielMcLaugh19/status/694812230932680704
Devastated at passing of @derrycityfc great Mark Farren. Inspired us all through his brilliance on the pitch and bravery off it. RIP.
— Mark H Durkan (@MarkHDurkan) February 3, 2016
A sad day all around for the LOI community; Mark Farren RIP.
— david kelly (@dk3lly) February 3, 2016
So sorry to hear of Mark Farren's passing at just 33. A fine goalscorer, a true gentleman and a brave battler. Life is deeply unfair.
— Keith Bailie (@KeithJBailie) February 3, 2016
Sad news. Former Derry City & Glenavon striker Mark Farren has lost his cancer battle. Thoughts with family, Fought for So Long 🙏
— 🐓⚽🤙 (@kirk_5_) February 3, 2016
Really awful news to hear that loi hero Mark Farren has passed away this morning.. A fantastic player and club man respectively.. Rip ❤️
— ✨Julianne Sheridan✨ (@JulianneS_Xx) February 3, 2016
RIP MARK FARREN @derrycityfc Thoughts and Prayers are with his family and friends.
— Club84 (@clubeightyfour) February 3, 2016
Deepest sympathies go out to the Farren family at this very sad time. God bless Mark. Be just and fear not. pic.twitter.com/Vnun7eQFLc
— Glenavon FC (@Glenavon_FC) February 3, 2016
Loved watching Mark Farren play. Always thought he'd play at high level across the water. Leaves a big lump in the throat hearing the news
— Mike Aherne (@AherneMike95) February 3, 2016
