‘A man who was larger than life’ - Heartfelt tributes paid to GAA stalwart John Diamond

By Caoimhe Hegarty

The wider GAA community came together last week to pay their respects to GAA stalwart, John Diamond.

John was widely respected both on and off the pitch.

Originally from Portglenone, he played for Roger Casements GAC, Portglenone and Antrim before moving to County Derry.

He was a referee for many years and was also heavily involved in Erin’s Own GAC, Lavey.

Hundreds o f mourners attended John’s funeral on Thursday, which took place in St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy.

Following requiem Mass, the father-of-six, was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

Among those to pay tribute to Mr Diamond was local councillor and Secretary of Roger Casement's GAC Portglenone, Martin Kearney.

“The death of John Diamond has cast a shadow over South West Antrim and South Derry.  Born in Portglenone, in later life John moved firstly to Lavey and then Bellaghy.  As well as being an accomplished mid-field player for both Portglenone and Antrim County, he was also widely respected as a referee. He was truly one of the great characters of our generation,” he said.

Continuing Mr Kearney added: “He had a tremendous sense of humour, a sharp wit and such a warm and engaging personality.  He had great time for everyone and everyone has a story about John.  May he rest in peace.”

A spokesperson for Erin’s Own GAC, Lavey GAC posted a photograph of John with the first team to win the Derry Og Sport competition in 1980 on to their Facebook page along with the following message; “Standing back left is John Diamond, our former chairman. His smile and pride at the success of a young group of boys who would go on to backbone our mighty teams of the 90s typifies a man who was larger than life, who brought great joy to all who knew him, and who led Lavey club during a pivotal time.

“On behalf of all our club members and wider community we wish to express our deepest sympathies to John's family and friends on his passing. May he rest in peace,” the post read.

Local community Facebook page, Photos of Portglenone, also paid tribute: “John Diamond was known all over this Island for his stories and his craic. There never was a dull moment when John was about, if at or on a Gaelic pitch, at a game of cards or a wake, John would bring a smile to all.”