IRISH CUP: Glenavon to honour Mark Farren with special tribute at final

Glenavon plan to honour the late Mark Farren with a 10th-minute round of applause in Saturday's Tennent's Irish Cup final against Linfield at Windsor Park.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th May 2016, 20:09 BST
Updated 4th May 2016, 21:22 BST
Mark Farren who tragically passed away earlier this yearMark Farren who tragically passed away earlier this year
Mark Farren who tragically passed away earlier this year

The 33-year-old lost a brave battle against cancer on February 3.

He may only have moved to Mourneview Park in January 2013, but the former Derry City player became an instant favourite with the fans.

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After being diagnosed with a brain tumour, Mark had the honour of leading out Glenavon in the final two years ago against Ballymena United.

Lurgan Blues boss Gary Hamilton has invited Mark’s widow Terri-Louise to be the club’s guest of honour at Saturday’s final.

“Terri is going to lead the boys out this year as a little tribute to Mark,” said Hamilton.

“His last involvement with us was the Irish Cup final, so we though it would be nice for Terri to be here. She’ll travel with us on the team bus . . . it’s important to make her feel part of it.

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“Mark led us out against Ballymena. He was still under contract, but he had just been given the news that the tumour was back.

“Mark will go down as part of the history of our club.

“He scored a lot of goals for Glenavon. I don’t mind saying if Mark Farren had been in our team this season, we would have been up there challenging for the league title.

“No one scored goals like him. He was frightening. Unfortunately, I never got a full season out of him due to his tragic circumstances.

“But as a finisher, Mark and David Healy were the best I’ve ever seen.

“I trained with Alan Shearer when I was at Blackburn Rovers, but in terms of finishing, they were the best.”

Related topics:Mark FarrenGlenavonLinfield