Fitting tribute as Derry City players form guard of honour at Paul Diamond's funeral

'A remarkable man'.

That's how Derry businessman Paul Diamond was described at his funeral Mass.

Large crowds gathered yesterday to pay their final respects at St Patrick's Church, Pennyburn for the Derry City FC President.

Among the mourners were: Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty, manager Tiernan Lynch, board members and supporters.

Derry City's first team players also formed a guard of honour as the coffin was carried from the chapel grounds.

Mr Diamond sadly died after a battle with a rare lung condition earlier this month.

At his funeral Mass, Fr Micheál McGavigan described the impact Paul left on 'countless lives' and a 'legacy that will echo in our city, in our homes, and in our hearts for many years to come'.

"His workers have said, 'He was no marshmallow' - and indeed, he wasn’t," reflected Fr. McGavigan. "He was firm, exacting, meticulous. But behind that steel was a heart of generosity. He asked much, but he gave more. His acts of kindness - often unspoken and unseen - left a profound impact on countless lives.

"Paul Diamond was, in truth, a good man. A remarkable man. A Derry man to his core. And above all, a man who knew how to love."

Fr McGavigan told mourners about Paul's long tenure as Derry City FC President.

"He saw football not only as a game, but as a way of binding people together, of lifting spirits and inspiring pride," Fr. McGavigan told mourners. "He followed in the footsteps of great men like John Hume and carried that responsibility with honour.

"And yet, he remained ever mindful of the wider community - supporting not just Derry City but Institute, City of Derry Rugby Club, and many others. Wherever he saw need, he offered help - quietly, generously, and without fanfare. And yet, for all his success, Paul never lost his humility. He wore his achievements lightly, with grace and gratitude."

Speaking about his rare illness, the parish priest said Paul 'never complained' and faced his condition with 'stoic grace'.

"In recent years, Paul faced perhaps his greatest trial. Diagnosed with a rare lung condition, his world began to narrow. The man who had once walked the factory floor with energy and purpose now struggled to walk even a few steps. Yet, he never complained. He adapted with stoic grace.

"And when the call finally came - after long months of waiting - for a double lung transplant, Paul was ready. He had prepared himself with the same determination he applied to everything. Even on oxygen, he kept moving - 1,000 steps a day. He followed every instruction, attended every treatment, refused to give up hope.

"The transplant surgery was successful, but insurmountable complications followed. In the end, it was not to be. Yet he faced death as he faced life - with courage, with peace, and with faith. Mary was by his side, as she always had been, the steady light in the darkness."

Fr McGavigan said Paul and Mary's relationship was 'love story that spanned 52 years together'.

She was a 'companion of quiet strength, deep devotion and tireless care' explained Fr McGavigan. Fittingly Mary recited the poem 'When great trees fall' during the service which was met by applause by the congregation.

Mr Diamond was laid to rest in the City Cemetery, overlooking his beloved Derry City.