Book of condolence to be opened at Brandywell for Mark Farren

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, and Derry City Football Club will jointly open a book of condolence at the Brandywell tomorrow in memory of former Derry City FC striker Mark Farren, has died after a long battle with cancer.

The Mayor said the 33-year-old’s untimely death this morning had had a huge impact on the people of the city and region and a Book of Condolence would allow sports fans from all over the city to express their condolences and share their memories of Mark.

She added: “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 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.”

Derry City FC chairman Phillip O'Doherty said the club’s all time record goalscorer was a “decent human being.”

He said: "We offer our sympathies to his family. He was a superb player and I think the entire football community throughout Ireland would say the same.

“But, most of all, he was a decent human being.”

The Mayor and representatives of the club will open the book of condolence at the Brandywell at 2.30pm and it will be open daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm.