Former Derry City player Mark Farren has passed away, aged 33, after a battle with cancer.
Farren, the Candystripes all-time leading scorer, had travelled to a specialist clinic in Tijuana, northern Mexico last summer for treatment on a grade four brain tumour.
However, the Donegal native passed away this morning, with tributes flooding in for the talented striker.
Farren played for Finn Harps, Monaghan United and Glenavon but it was at Derry he truly shone, scoring 114 times in a prolific spell with the club.
He was named the League of Ireland player of the year in 2005, and had battled illness for the last six years.
FAI chief executive John Delaney said: "Mark’s sad passing is a devastating blow to everybody in Irish football. He was not only a tremendous talent, but a real gentleman, who was widely respected in the League and very popular with his team-mates throughout his years in the game.
"I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Mark’s family."
Gutted to hear news of the death of my former teammate mark farren, great player, even better man, prayers are with his family, RIP buddy
— James McClean (@JamesMcC14) February 3, 2016
Dreadful news about Mark Farren. A really good guy and a hell of a player too.
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) February 3, 2016
Shocked to hear of the passing of mark Farren one the gents of the game and boy could he play had the pleasure to call him a friend #rip
— Raff Cretaro (@RaffCretaro) February 3, 2016
Very sorry to hear of Mark Farren's passing. Fought his illness with great bravery. #rip
— Damien O'Meara (@damien_omeara) February 3, 2016
Sad day Mark Farren passing away. Incredible bravery and fight. Condolences to his family & friends. May he rest in peace.
— Brian Gartland (@B_Garts) February 3, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mark Farren #RIPMark #derrycity18
— Gary Twigg (@twiggs67) February 3, 2016
Sad to hear of the passing of Mark Farren. A prolific goalscorer and one of life's true gentlemen who put up such a brave fight. RIP Mark.
— Eric White (@ericwhite80) February 3, 2016
