Damien Duff's private family life as ex-Ireland star quits Shelbourne
Damien Duff stunned Shelbourne by quitting as manager of the Drumcondra club on Sunday - one day before the club travel to Waterford for a League of Ireland Premier Division clash.
Shels released a statement confirming the Republic of Ireland legend's shock departure as they announced his assistant Joey O'Brien will take charge of the Waterford clash. It read: 'Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager.
'Damien informed the club this morning that, after much thought, he has made the decision to resign. He shared the news with the players earlier today.
'While all at Shelbourne FC are deeply saddened by Damien's decision, we fully respect that he feels this is the right choice for him at this time.
'During his four extraordinary years at Tolka Park, Damien transformed Shelbourne Football Club both on and off the pitch.
'Appointed in November 2021, he took over a newly promoted side and rebuilt it from the ground up. Duff guided Shels to a seventh-place finish and a first FAI Cup Final appearance since 2011 in that debut season. The following year, in 2023, a fourth-place finish brought the Reds back to European competition for the first time in 18 years.
'In 2024, Duff led the Reds to one of the greatest triumphs in the club's 130-year history, clinching the League of Ireland Premier Division title, our first since 2006. On the final day we went to Derry, where a 1-0 win at the Brandywell secured the title in dramatic fashion, marking Shels return to the summit of Irish football.
'The club wishes Damien and his family every happiness and success in the future. His impact on Shelbourne FC was transformational. He will always be one of our own, and we are eternally grateful for the indelible mark he has left on our club.
'Joey O'Brien and the coaching staff will take charge for tomorrow's trip to the RSC to face Waterford and will prepare the team for Friday's away fixture against Galway United.
'Neil Doyle, Shelbourne FC co-owner, speaking on behalf of the board, said: 'There are no words that do justice to Damien's accomplishments at Shelbourne FC and what he has done for both the club and the League of Ireland. We look back with immense pride on his time here. As a club, we move forward with confidence, knowing that the foundations we have jointly built will underpin our continued success. Thank you, Damien, for everything.'
Duff tends to keep his private life private. But here's what we know about it:
The ex-Chelsea ace married his long-term love, Elaine, in 2010.
Their wedding was a cosy affair at Babington House in Somerset, UK, attended by close friends and family.
The couple have two children together, Woody and Darcy.
Duff's son was born with a congenital heart condition, and when the former Ireland star signed for Shamrock Rovers, he pledged his entire salary to be divided between Temple Street and Children's Heart Ireland.
The family reside in Wicklow.
Duff earned 100 caps for Ireland. His last appearance was in Ireland's final Euro 2012 match against Italy, and he retired from international football shortly after.
The skilful winger began his career at Blackburn Rovers before transferring to Chelsea. He had stints at Newcastle and Fulham before ending his career at Melbourne City and Shamrock Rovers.
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