DERRY CITY’S highly-rated striker Mark Farren will not figure for the remainder of the current season due to illness.
While the northern club continues its battle against financial difficulties in what’s been a turbulent season, Farren faces a personal challenge having been diagonised with a brain tumour.
The “low grade benign tumour” was initially diagnosed on Christmas Eve last year, just before the commencement of the current campaign, yet the 27-year-old Donegal man, having sought medical advice, continued to spearhead the Derry front line having netted 10 league goal during the 2009 season.
However, he now faces a MRI scan in Belfast in three weeks’ time and following that examination, a decision on what happens next will be made by his consultants.
But he has refused to contemplate “hanging up his boots”, simply taking a step back from football to deal with the situation.
“It’s highly unlikely I will see the current season out,” he said. “I’ve taken medical advice, the same advice which allowed me to play throughout the season. I will have a scan in three weeks’ time and, hopefully, I’ll get the news I want.
“The season is over for us at the end of next month so I really can’t see me being involved. But I’m getting married in December to my girlfriend, Terri. I then hope to enjoy Christmas before preparing for pre-season training with Derry early in the New Year. That’s what I’m praying for,” he said.
“I’ve been playing with this condition for the past 10 months and off the field I’ve experienced pressure, but playing the game has been good for me.
“I feel I’ve now reached the stage that I must concentrate on dealing with this condition. The results of my next scan will be very important in relation to what happens next. I’ve been told the results will tell the doctors much more about the tumour and they will then decide what the next course of action will be.”
Having experienced a particularly pressurised season – on and off the park – the player opted not to make his ailment public.
“At times, it’s been hard to deal with the situation so I opted to keep the condition within my family, Terri’s family, and close friends. But I needed to play football and there were also pressures there as we are playing in a very competitive league. However, that’s my profession and it was important to me that I try to play my part. For the moment, however, I must concentrate on what lies ahead and see where it takes me.”
While remaining totally positive, Farren has also been realistic. “I’ve got to prioritise things and that’s why I want to prepare myself for the forthcoming scan. I don’t wish to take any chances on the pitch just in case I would aggravate something.
“For the first time in my life, I feel it’s important that I take a step back from football and concentrate on the immediate future.
“I’ve also been blessed as I am fully aware that there are so many other people out there in different positions than me with such an ailment. I believe I’ve got a chance to continue my life. I think I’m lucky. I’ve been training every day and playing football every week and that’s helped me concentrate on other things.”
Farren also felt it was important that he extended his thanks to all associated with Derry City, from “the board of directors down to those who attend matches.”
He went on: “From the very start the club has supported me. Once aware of my situation, the club got me the best medical attention, including private consultations. Derry City pulled out all the stops, the people there have been unbelievable. From the outset they were behind me and are still behind me respecting any decision I have made, from the board of directors, to the manager, to our club doctor and to the physio and backroom staff. The players have been brilliant and they’ve been with me every step of the way and I hope to pay them back on the pitch next season.”
He also praised the honesty and professionalism of his manager, Stephen Kenny, describing him as “a very special person” during what has been a very turbulent period in his personal life.
