Derry's all-time leading goalscorer passed away aged 33, leading numerous people from across the League of Ireland to pay tribute to the striker
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."
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."
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"
- Goal