'˜A true gentleman in every sense of the word'

The late Mark Farren pictured with the Mayor and his wife Terri.

The Mayor of Derry and Strabane Elisha McCallion has expressed her 'heartfelt sadness' at the untimely death today of former Derry City FC striker Mark Farren.

Paying tribute to Mark, Mayor McCallion said she was devastated at his passing and expressed her sympathy to the Farren and Holmes families on their loss.

She said: “This is a very sad day for the people of Derry and Donegal. 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 late Mark Farren pictured with his parents Michael and Kathleen.

“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.”

Mayor McCallion spoke of having 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,” she 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,” she added.

'˜A true gentleman in every sense of the word' - Mayor