Irish President pays tribute to the late Mark Farren

The Republic of Ireland’s soccer loving President has today expressed his sadness at hearing the news of the passing of the Donegal-born Derry City striker Mark Farren.

In a statement, President Michael D. Higgins said: "It is appropriate that so many tributes have been made to Mark Farren.

“They have come from all of those who have known of his great footballing career as an iconic star for Derry City FC.

“His colleagues have correctly pointed to his great strength of character and his generosity as a colleague and club member.”

President Higgins is a big fan of the League of Ireland and makes several trips a season to watch games, most notably involving his hometown team of Galway United, or Bohemians, the club closest to Áras an Uachtaráin.

He continued: “Those of us who attended the League of Ireland and had the pleasure of seeing his many appearances will recall his great skills and sportsmanship.

“They will be joined by the public in general in admiring his courageous battle against incredible odds and they will want to send their sympathy and solidarity to his wife and partner, Terri Louise Farren.”

He has written to Mark Farren’s wife to offer his condolences.