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Sadness as soccer star Mark Farren
dies
03.02.16
TRIBUTES have flowed
this morning following the death of Greencastle-born
soccer star Mark Farren (33) after a brave six-year
battle with cancer.
The former Derry City player who was the
Candystripes' all-time leading goal scorer,
tragically passed away this morning. |
The talented striker
had lined out in the past for Finn Harps, Monaghan
United and Glenavon but his star truly rose in Derry
where he notched up 114 goals with the Brandywell
club.
He was named League of Ireland player of the year in
2005.
Derry Mayor Cllr Elisha McCallion was among those
leading tributes today.
She said she was "devastated" at the sportsman's
passing and expressed her sympathy to the Farren and
Holmes families on their loss.
“This is a very sad day for the people of Derry and
Donegal. |
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Mark Farren was a star player for
Derry City |
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.
"The top goal scorer for Derry City FC, Mark Farren
was a true legend of Derry City FC and a fantastic
role model for young people across the city and
region. Everyone associated with soccer across the
city and region will be devastated at this tragic
news today." |
Cllr McCallion added:
“I had the honour of hosting a reception for Mark,
his wife Terri and his extended family members last
year in the Guildhall. I was deeply touched by their
resilience and determination to do all they could to
help Mark battle against his illness and at the
positive way in which they coped."
Numerous fundraisers were held across the North West
and beyond to raise funds to help the popular
player. |
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Mark Farren with his wife, Terri
Louise |
The Greencastle native
had travelled to Mexico for pioneering treatment as
he bravely fought brain cancer.
Cllr McCallion said: "The support from the public
for Mark was truly phenomenal, everyone got behind
him and the efforts he and his family made to battle
against his illness. He will be greatly missed and
my thought and prayers go out to his wife, Terri ,
his parents Michael and Kathleen, his sisters
Bridget and Katrina, brother Philip and wider Farren
and Holmes families in Derry and Greencastle on
their sad loss. Rest in peace Mark." |
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