Mark Farren, Derry City Legend

so this is mark farren of my favourite team back home (Derry City) celebrating with his team mates his goal that won us the first division title and a return to the league of ireland premier division at the first attempt. a pretty uninspired selfish blip you may think, think again.

born in county donegal in 1982 mark had a couple of brief failed attempts 'over the water' in england before coming home and playing for his county club finn harps then monaghon united before joining city in 2003. it was here that he really took off, endearing himself to the fans with a hat trick on his debut then a crucial goal in the derby play off against his old club harps. mark cemented his place in the side from 2004 and was top scorer nearly every season since. this picture not only documents his championship winning strike last saturday night but also, possibly, his last goal for the candystripes. during the course of this season mark was diagnosed with having a brain tumor and was strongly advised to retire and get better. mark knew better, he felt his football gave him focus, fitness and a goal. he felt he owed a debt to the people who had supported him after his diagnosis and the only way he could repay them was to score the goals for city to get back into the premier division. He did and then some, 20 goals including of course this one, he has now rightly retired and vowed to return when recovered to the club he loves. ARE YOU LISTENING WAYNE ROONEY.a stark lesson to all the badge kissing mercenery footballers out ther. MARK FARREN, DERRY CITY LEGEND