Former Derry City Player, Farren passes Away At Age 33

Tributes have flown in from the Irish football community
following the death of former Derry City footballer Mark
Farren.

Farren passed away aged 33 following a battle with cancer,
leading former teammates and members of the football
family to pay tribute to Derry's all-time leading goalscorer.

Former Candystripes midfielder Barry Molloy expressed his
grief over the loss, writing on Facebook that "Heaven has
just gained an absolute legend and more importantly a true
gentleman. Never forgotten. RIP Mark."

Shocked to hear of the passing of Mark Farren one
the gents of the game and boy could he play had the
pleasure to call him a friend #rip
— Raff Cretaro (@RaffCretaro) February 3, 2016

Sligo Rovers' Raffaele Cretaro took to Twitter to pay tribute,
saying that he was "shocked to hear of the passing of Mark
Farren", calling him "one of the gents of the game."

Donegal-born Farren played for Derry from 2003 to 2012,
before moving to the Irish League to join Glenavon. While at
the Brandywell, the striker netted 114 league goals, lifting
the FAI Cup twice and the League of Ireland Cup on five
occasions. A hugely popular player, he was chosen by fellow
players as the PFAI Player of the Year in 2005.

In memory of the FAI Hall of Fame inductee, the Football
Association of Ireland lowered flags at their headquarters in
Abbotstown to half-mast. FAI CEO John Delaney said:

"Mark’s sad passing is 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. I
would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Mark’s
family."

In memory of Mark Farren the flags at FAI HQ are
flying at half-mast. pic.twitter.com/BUj25szsya
— FAI (@FAIreland) February 3, 2016

League of Ireland club Limerick also posted a message on
Twitter: "We send our heartfelt condolences to the family &
friends of former @derrycityfc striker Mark Farren. Our
thoughts & prayers are with them"

Galway United striker Enda Curran expressed his
sympathies, writing "Wakin up every morning is a gift from
God! Terrible to hear the passing of a true warrior, Mark
Farren! Thoughts and prayers with family! #RIP"