The new stand at the soon-to-be refurbished Brandywell Stadium may be named after legendary Derry City striker Mark Farren.
The 33-year-old former Candystripes forward died last week from cancer and local Sinn Féin councillor Elisha McCallion has submitted a motion to Derry City and Strabane District Council proposing that the new stand is named after local hero Farren.
Farren played for Derry from 2003 through to 2012, scoring 114 times in just over 200 appearances for the club and the Derry striker was named the League of Ireland player of the year in 2005.
Councillor McCallion said: “Following contact with the family of the late Mark Farren and receiving their approval I intend to submit a motion to Council this afternoon recommending that in memory of Mark’s contribution to Derry City Football Club and reflecting the widespread opinion in the community that Council should name the new stand in the refurbished Brandywell the Mark Farren Stand.
“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 were devastated by his death at such a young age.
“What better way to ensure that Mark’s sporting ethos and commitment is passed on to the next generation of young footballers than to have a permanent memorial in the form of the Mark Farren Stand in the Brandywell Stadium.”
Derry City have endorsed the proposal and have stated on their website that they “look forward to the opening of the Mark Farren Stand in 2017”.
