International managers come together to help Mark Farren

The match, which will take place at the Brandywell, on Saturday, May 23,it is just one of the many events organised for Derry City legend Mark Farren

Northern Ireland gaffer Michael O’Neill decided to contact the ex-Sunderland boss after hearing about Farren’s recent plight and the duo agreed to organise the fund-raising match.

Farren had his third brain tumour operation last month but given the severe aggressive nature of the tumour, he requires treatment at an elite cancer centre in Mexico.

He had hoped to go to Germany for the much-needed six-week course of treatment but the clinic in Mexico now appears more likely.
Both Michael and Martin are hoping to have a number of their international players in their respective squads, with Northern Ireland’s number one Roy Carroll already confirmed to be making an appearance.

It’s also believed that Farren’s ex-Derry City team-mates Paddy McCourt, James McClean, Niall McGinn and David Forde may also be playing.

There will also be a dinner at the Everglades hotel that night and Farren hopes to make the trip to begin the treatment days after it.

The Greencastle man made the trip to Lurgan last night as a Derry City Select took on the current Glenavon team.

Former team-mates Kevin Deery, Eddie McCallion, Davy McDaid, Pat Jennings, David Scullion, Ken Oman, Stephen Gray, and his brother-in-law Shaun Holmes all turned out for the Candystripes.

Farren and his wife Terri-Louise led the teams out as the crowd showed their appreciation for a player who had graced both clubs.

Gary Hamilton’s side won 6-3 at Mourneview Park last night but the real winner was the Mark Farren Treatment Fund, which received £7,000 from the game.

For more information on how to donate, go to www.markfarren.com