Devastating news as Derry City legend Mark Farren passes away

Derry City legend Mark Farren has passed away - at the tragically young age of 33.

The Donegal man, who was Derry City's all-time leading goalscorer, had been battling cancer in recent years.

A huge fundraising campaign was launched to raise the money needed to send Mark for specialist treatment in a bid to beat the illness.

However, despite this, Mark, who was from Greencastle in County Donegal, passed away this morning.

His death has devastated fans of the local club and his many friends in football.

Among those to pay tribute was Mark's former team-mate Barry Molloy.

Barry wrote on his Facebook page: "Heaven has just gained an absolute legend and more importantly a true gentleman. Never forgotten. RIP Mark."

Mark was named the League of Ireland players' player of the year in 2005 and went on to become Derry's record goal-scorer with 113 goals.

Mark's funeral arrangements will be announced later.