IRELAND’S President Michael D Higgins has expressed his sadness when he heard the news of the passing of Derry City striker Mark Farren on Wednesday morning.
The 33-year-old passed away after a battle against the ravages of an aggressive brain tumour.
President Higgins is a well known football fan having attended many League of Ireland games where Mark Farren had first come to his attention.
The President said in a statement: “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
“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.”
President Higgins has now written to Mark Farren’s wife Terri Louise to offer his sincere condolences.