End of an era as well-known NI newsagent retires due to ‘ongoing health problems' as business goes up for sale
Eugene Diamond, owner of Diamonds newsagents in the Co Antrim town, said he was 'sad' to be moving on from the business due to ill-health.
He has been running the shop for four and a half decades, and said that the business and premises would be sold.
In a post on X, he announced: 'Due to ongoing health problems I'm going to put my business including building up for sale.
'It's sad to make this decision but since March I have had to step back from working my usual hours.
'I've had 45 great years here on Broughshane Street but all things come to an end. Eugene.'
Diamonds newsagents on Broughshane Street was opened daily at 5:30am each day, and the town centre shop was open seven days a week, closing at 7pm.
Mr Diamond was also an active user of social media, sharing the headlines from the day's papers, as well as providing early morning photos and weather updates from outside his shop.
The owner had recently begun to suffer from bad health, saying that the seven-day weeks had started to exact a toll on him.
In a post in May, Mr Diamond said the previous months had shown him he was 'not infallible', and revealed he had recently stayed in hospital.
At that time he admitted that he had to 'look at retirement', and thanked people for their 'kind words.'
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Following the news, tributes from locals and shop-goers began to be made on social media, paying tribute to Mr Diamond.
Mr Diamond was also well-known among journalists as a helpful and informative figure, knowledgeable on Ballymena affairs and local politics.
Commentator Alex Kane replied saying: 'Really sorry to hear this, Eugene. You've been my first port of call for quite a few years now—and you will be a huge loss to your local community, many of whom will miss the daily (maybe only) chats of the day.
'Take care of yourself and your health. And enjoy the lie-ins.'
A number of other journalists reacted to his retirement post on X, including former BBC NI veteran weather broadcaster Angie Phillips, who replied: 'Sorry to hear you are going and will miss your early morning posts. A well deserved break though after all those years! Take care!'
Meanwhile, freelance journalist Chris McCullough responded: 'Very sorry to hear this Eugene but you must look after number one.
'This shop has been a legend of Ballymena for decades under your captaincy. Time to rest in the knowledge you've done a great service to the town and community.'
News Catch Up - Monday 23rd June
Under a Facebook post sharing the news of Mr Diamond's retirement, one commenter said: 'Eugene, your words bring real sadness to so many who have walked through the doors of Diamonds news over the last 45 years.
'Your shop hasn't just been a place of business — it's been a cornerstone of Broughshane Street, a true hub of the community where people came not just for their daily papers, sweets, or essentials, but for a friendly face, a chat, and a feeling of connection."
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