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Tributes paid to Derry City president Paul Diamond

Derry City FC A man in a navy suit jacket and white shirt stands with his arms folded. He is beside a large red and black sign featuring the Derry City Football Club crest. Derry City FC
Paul Diamond had a long-standing connection to the club

Tributes have been paid to the prominent businessman and president of Derry City Football Club, Paul Diamond, following his death.

Mr Diamond, who died at the weekend, owned the packaging company Diamond Corrugated in the city.

He was appointed OBE in 2002 for his services to the packaging industry.

A life-long supporter of the Candystripes, Mr Diamond held several senior roles at the club, including chairman and honorary president, after succeeding former SDLP leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume.

'Whole life dedicated to the city'

Foyle MP Colum Eastwood led tributes to Mr Diamond, describing him as "an institution in Derry".

"His whole life was dedicated to the city and using his extraordinary talents to help people," Eastwood said.

"He gave people the opportunity of good jobs at his packaging firm Diamond Corrugated in Pennyburn."

Mr Eastwood said the late businessman loved the city and "gave back to it in every way that he could".

Manufacturing NI, of which Mr Diamond was a founder, said he was a huge contributor to the north west economy.

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In a statement, Derry City FC remembered Mr Diamond as a "lifelong supporter" and long-time sponsor of the club.

He was appointed club president in 2021and the club said his support had been demonstrated over many decades.

He joined the board of the club in 1995 and served as club chairman when they last won the League of Ireland in 1997.

The club said Mr Diamond's love of the Candystripes was triggered by his own father's support for the team the red, white and black of his firm's logo were inspired by the club colours.

"The Diamond family links to the club continue as his son Niall was appointed to the club board in 2022," the statement said.

"Everyone at Derry City extend our sympathies to his wife Mary, sons Niall and Gerard and the wider family circle."