Derry City manager Declan Devine pays glowing tribute to the late John Hume

The 83 year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner, who sadly passed away yesterday, spent 21 years in the role as the club's President and was responsible for bringing Real Madrid, a star-studded Barcelona team and Manchester United to Brandywell Stadium during the club's hour of need.

There was a minute's silence impeccably observed at Richmond Park last night before kick-off as Hume's beloved Derry City played St Patrick's Athletic.

And afterwards Devine offered his condolences to the family of one of the most important Irish political leaders in recent history.

"It goes without saying our thoughts are with his wife, Pat and his family," said Devine. "It's a horrific time for them.

"When you look over the recent history of politics, especially the Peace Process and you see some of the political figures that we've had in our city with Martin (McGuinness) and obviously John Hume. And for the two of them to go in such a short space of time is tough for everyone.

"Let's not underestimate what they have done for our city. John Hume has also been a magnificent servant to the people of Derry, the people of Ireland. He's not only renowned for his work in this country, he's renowned worldwide, winning the Nobel Peace Prize."

Devine remembers fondly spending time with the late Mr Hume at a hotel in Dublin after the Candy Stripes clinched the 2012 FAI Cup and said Derry City were 'extremely proud' to have him as their President.

"To be able to have him as our President was something we are extremely proud of," added the Derry manager.

"When the club was on its knees not so long ago he was able to attract some of the biggest clubs in the world to the Brandywell and we'll always be thankful for that because those were special nights, seeing Ronaldinho for Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United - all those clubs coming to the Brandywell and that was down to him and the esteem he's held in throughout the world.

"I was fortunate after the 2012 Cup Final that I spent a bit of time with him back in the hotel and I'll never forget he was so proud to be taking that trophy back to Derry the next day - you would've thought he won it himself!

"And that was the nature of him - a very proud Derry man and it's a huge loss for everybody in Derry."