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.
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He was presented with an FAI Hall of Fame award in 2014 and was voted PFAI Player of the Year in 2005.
Northern Ireland’s deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness also paid tribute to Farren, calling his death “heart-breaking” and describing him as a “Derry City legend, great footballer & gentleman”.
When Farren’s family made the hard decision to go public on the severity of his plight, they set a ballpark figure of €30,000 as a target to pay for his treatment. “This is a very sad day for the people of Derry and Donegal”.
“Mark was a true gentleman of the game both on and off the pitch and will be remembered forever as a massive part of the club’s history”.
“He was the best centre-forward in Ireland”, said Liam Coyle, the former Derry player whose record Farren broke in 2012. “Everyone associated with soccer across the city and region will be devastated at this tragic news today”. “I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Mark’s family”.
Numerous fundraisers were held across the North West and beyond to raise funds to help the popular player.
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Republic of Ireland worldwide and former Derry City team-mate James McClean led the tribute to the deceased Farren. “Rest in peace Mark”.
