Goals galore as ‘Derry Pele’ returns to Brandywell in support of Mark Farren

The “Derry Pele” returned to Brandywell this afternoon to turn out for his home town club in a special game held in support of former Derry City striker Mark Farren’s fight against a brain tumour.

Former Glasgow Celtic star Paddy McCourt (pictured) – known to his adoring City fans as the “Derry Pele” – was one of a number of ex-Candystripe stars in a Derry City Select, managed by Republic of Ireland international manager Martin O’Neill, who faced a Northern Ireland Select, managed by current NI manager Michael O’Neill.

Football clubs and fans throughout the country have united in recent weeks to help raise funds for Farren’s treatment with over £70,000 being raised already, with this afternoon’s game set to be followed by a special dinner for the former striker at the Everglades tonight.

Farren, Derry’s record goalscorer, is set to fly out to Mexico on Monday to begin the pioneering treatment.

As for this afternoon’s game….

Goals from Joe Gormley, Jay Donnelly, Jordan Stewart, and Andy McGrory saw Northern Ireland lead 4-0 at half-time.

But Derry fought back in the second half but fell just short of drawing level - goals from Stephen O’Flynn (2) and Danny O’Connell resulting in the game ending 4-3 in favour of Michael O’Neill’s side.

Derry City XI: Pat Jennings, Neil McCafferty, Shaun Holmes, Eddie McCallion, Mark McChrystal, Ruaidhi Higgins, Eunan O’Kane, Ciaran Martyn, Eoin Bradley, Paddy McCourt, Kevin McHugh. Substitutes: Kevin Deery, Ruairi Harkin, Stephen O’Flynn, Paddy McLaughlin, Danny O’Carroll, Neil Devlin. Manager: Martin O’Neill.

Northern Ireland XI: Ross Glendenning, Thomas Cosgrave, Martin Keane, James Singleton, Sean Ward, Michael Gault, Jim Magilton, Rhys Marshall, Joe Gormley, Jay Donnelly, Jordan Stewart. Substitutes: Andy McGrory, Gary Hamilton, Ayden Callaghan, Marc Sykes, Jamie Glackin, Paul Miller. Manager: Michael O’Neill.

Meanwhile, Moville Celtic will host another fundraising game in aid of the fund on Friday night next featuring a number of local “golden oldies” who will include former Derry City defender Liam “Roper” McDermott.