Tributes paid to Derry City president Paul Diamond
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.
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.
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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Why Victoria Beckham Will Soon Become Lady Beckham
After 14 years of waiting, David Beckham is set to receive a knighthood from King Charles in the King's birthday honors list. As a result, the soccer legend's wife, Victoria, will be known as Lady Beckham going forward. Both Beckhams have long had an affinity for the royal family, attending both Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding in 2011 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal wedding in his growing friendship with King Charles, David Beckham is set to receive a knighthood in the King's latest birthday honors list—thereby making David's wife, Victoria, Lady Beckham. After first being nominated for knighthood in 2011 (according to People), it seems it's all finally happening for the soccer legend. A lifelong royalist, this isn't David's first brush with British honors—as far back as 2003, he was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire). In being granted a knighthood by Charles, David will be awarded for his soccer career and his contribution to British society, according to the BBC. There have been hints of David's impending knighthood over the past year—David was named an ambassador to The King's Foundation in 2024; he and Victoria attended a dinner at Highgrove, the King's country home, back in February of this year; and just last month, he was heard telling the King and Queen Camilla thank you for his 50th birthday gift. 'I'm excited to be working with The King's Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity's work,' David said in a statement at the time of his appointment. 'I've always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons, and I'm particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation's education programs and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.' David's appointment ends 'years of speculation about whether he would be knighted,' The Telegraph reported. In addition to their other numerous appearances supporting the royal family—including David queuing for hours along with the general public to pay his respects to Queen Elizabeth after her death in 2022—David and Victoria attended a state dinner at Buckingham Palace late last year, and Kate Middleton recently (and poignantly) wore a Victoria Beckham design to an event put on by the British Fashion Council. The Beckhams' royal connections are deep enough that they attended the royal weddings of both Prince William and Kate in 2011 and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. During an interview at the World Economic Forum, David called himself a 'huge royalist' and said (via People), 'I always get emotional talking about anything that I do with our royal family, because I've always been a huge royalist. I was brought up in a household that adored and loved everything that came with the royal family.' Read the original article on InStyle
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
David Beckham to Be Knighted by King Charles, with Wife Victoria Becoming ‘Lady Beckham': Reports
David Beckham is set to receive a knighthood in King Charles' birthday honors list next week The recognition will result in his wife, Victoria Beckham, being called Lady Beckham The former soccer player, 50, was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire), back in 2003David Beckham is reportedly going to receive a knighthood in King Charles' birthday honors list next week. The Inter Miami CF and Salford City co-owner, 50, will be awarded for his soccer career and contribution to British society, according to BBC and U.K. newspaper The Times. The recognition will result in his wife, Victoria Beckham, being called Lady Beckham. Representatives for David did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment on June 6. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The knighthood comes after David received an OBE (Order of the British Empire) back in 2003. The former Manchester United player was put forward to receive a knighthood over ten years ago, with a nomination in 2011, U.K. newspaper The Guardian reported. Alongside playing for England's national soccer team over 100 times, David has become known for his charitable work with children from underprivileged backgrounds. He has been an ambassador for UNICEF since 2005 and played an important role in the 2012 Olympics, per the BBC. David also signed on as ambassador for the King's Foundation in 2024. "I'm excited to be working with The King's Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity's work," David said in a statement at the time. "I've always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I'm particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation's education programs and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature," he continued. ! "Having developed a love for the countryside, I'm also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the Foundation's work," David added. Last month, he joined King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in London. David was spotted wearing a new rose named in the King's honor as they spoke at the Highgrove shop stand. He was equally polished while attending the King's Foundation's U.K.-Italy celebratory dinner at Highgrove House alongside Victoria, 51, in February. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
David Beckham to Receive Knighthood
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." David Beckham is set to be awarded a knighthood in King Charles's annual birthday honors, which will be revealed next week. BBC Sport first reported the news, though a government spokesperson declined to comment on 'speculation on honours.' After he is knighted, he will be Sir David, and his wife Victoria will become 'Lady Victoria.' Beckham was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003, and in the years since, has emphasized his ties to the British royal family. 'I've always been a huge royalist, I was brought up in a family and household that adored and loved everything with the royal family,' he said. 'When the King asked me to part of his foundation, I was very honored, very privileged, I rang my mum straight away.' She 'burst into tears,' Beckham shared. 'She knows my grandparents would have been proud that I have played such an important role in the royal family and the charities that they have.' He's made numerous appearance recently with King Charles and Prince William, and last year, attended a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace. When Queen Elizabeth passed away, he was one of thousands who queued to pay their respects as the late monarch laid in state. 'The most special moment for me was to receive my OBE. I took my grandparents with me, who were the ones that really brought me up to be a huge royalist and a fan of the royal family, and obviously I had my wife there as well,' he shared upon the Queen's passing. 'To step up, to get my honor, but then also Her Majesty, to ask questions, to talk, I was so lucky that I was able to have a few moments like that in my life, to be around Her Majesty. Because we can all see with the love that has been shown, how special she is and how special she was and the legacy that she leaves behind.' Beckham played for Manchester United and the England national team, including playing 59 games as captain. He helped Manchester United win six Premier League championships, and also played for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. Beckham will join a small list of former football players to be knighted. You Might Also Like 12 Weekend Getaway Spas For Every Type of Occasion 13 Beauty Tools to Up Your At-Home Facial Game
