SOCCER:A LATE Mark Farren goal rubber-stamped Derry City's immediate return to the Premier Division as they confirmed the First Division title, and with it automatic promotion, by beating Monaghan United 1-0 at Gortakeegan on Saturday.
Poignantly, it was Farren, made captain for the evening as he faces an uncertain future in the game due to a health issue, who then raised the First Division trophy aloft after the game to the delight of a 2,000-strong contingent of travelling fans.
His team-mates wore white T-shirts with his number 18 on the back and the message “There’s only one Mark Farren – DCFC Legend” on the front.
“It was very important for everyone associated with Derry City that the club’s name has been restored,” said manager Stephen Kenny. “We were on the floor last year as a club, and to rebuild it has been tremendous. It is just a first step. We want to be at the top of Irish football. It will not be easy, but that’s our ambition.”
Despite being diagnosed with a low grade benign brain tumour in late 2008, Farren’s winner on Saturday was the 28-year-old’s 20th goal of the season.
Despite their defeat, Monaghan, who pressed Derry hardest of all in the second half of the campaign, have the consolation of a play-off away to Waterford United.
There was drama too at Tolka Park where Waterford came from behind to beat Shelbourne 2-1.
Shelbourne, involved to the final game in each of the last three years, now face a fifth season in the First Division.
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