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Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Double joy in Dublin should give Derry City confidence to kick on, maintains Tiernan Lynch
The Candystripes have taken just one point from two games against Kevin Doherty's side, who won at the Brandywell in April and who were denied a win in their previous meeting by a last-minute equaliser from Dom Thomas. But wins over Shelbourne and St Patrick's Athletic have changed the expectation of a team that has struggled with inconsistency so far, and Lynch is hoping his players can build on the current momentum. 'They were two big games for us and they probably showed both sides of what we've been trying to work on as a team and a group,' he acknowledged. 'We'll not get too carried away. It's two games and two wins, two big wins, and I'm delighted for the players because I felt they deserved it and, hopefully, it will give them a little bit of confidence going into Friday night.' Defender Mark Connolly looks unlikely to feature having picked up an injury at St Pat's. 'You hope it has now given us the confidence to now kick on,' he said. 'We've been crying out for that little bit of consistency. I've been saying all season that they are a great bunch of boys who give you everything that they have, and I think you saw that in both games on Friday and Monday. 'Even when we were under the cosh, they rolled their sleeves up and they dug in. That's character and I think they gave us that in abundance so, hopefully, we can take that into Friday night and bring that little bit of consistency into what we're doing.' Derry have failed to beat Drogheda in any of the previous four meetings, including the 2024 FAI Cup Final, but looked on the verge of doing so at the Brandywell only for a complete implosion after Liam Boyce's opener which saw the striker red-carded before Drogheda took advantage of the dismissal by scoring three times. 'Liam Boyce got sent off and we capitulated after a seven or eight-minute period,' Lynch recalled. 'That was a difficult day for us and probably summed up where we were at that stage. Hopefully, we've moved on from that. 'Defensively, we have been much more solid and that has given us a platform to kick on, and hopefully Friday night is the same.' City could potentially go into second place with victory on Friday evening, a huge incentive after a challenging few weeks.
Extra.ie
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Inside Damien Duff's family life as he bids farewell to Shelbourne
It was a shocking turn of events for Shelbourne FC fans this week as Damien Duff suddenly stepped down from his role as manager of the League of Ireland champions. Duff's resignation also comes just two weeks ahead of Shelbourne's crucial Champions League qualifier against Linfield. It is understood that players were informed of his decision during a meeting on Sunday morning. The club, who currently sit sixth in the table and trail Shamrock Rovers by 15 points, confirmed the news in a statement released on Sunday. It was a shocking turn of events for Shelbourne FC fans this week as Damien Duff stepped down from his role as manager of the League of Ireland champion team. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile As the star prepares to temporarily step out of the spotlight, let's take a look at his family life to get a rare look behind the curtain into the private world of one of Irish football's most enigmatic figures. Duff, a former Republic of Ireland international, married his long-term love, Elaine, in 2010. The stripped-back nuptials took place at Babington House in Somerset, UK, attended by close friends and family. Duff's resignation also comes just two weeks ahead of Shelbourne's crucial Champions League qualifier against Linfield. It is understood that players were informed of his decision during a meeting on Sunday morning. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile The happy couple are parents to two children together, Woody and Darcy, with their son having been born with a congenital heart condition. In an act of solidarity with his little one, Duff pledged his entire Shamrock Rovers salary to be divided between Temple Street and Children's Heart Ireland. The family now reside in Wicklow, tucked away from all the hustle and bustle. The club, who currently sit sixth in the table and trail Shamrock Rovers by 15 points, confirmed the news in a statement released on Sunday. Pic: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile In a statement, Shelbourne paid tribute to Duff's contribution over his four-year tenure: '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. Former Republic of Ireland International Damien Duff and his wife Elaine arrive at the wedding of Simon Harris and his bride Caoimhe Wade. Pic: Collins '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. '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.' Shelbourne also confirmed that assistant coach Joey O'Brien and the existing coaching staff will lead the team for Monday's trip to the RSC to face Waterford, and prepare for Friday's fixture away to Galway United.
Irish Post
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Post
Shelbourne 'deeply saddened' as Damien Duff steps down as manager
SHELBOURNE manager Damien Duff has stepped down from his role with the League of Ireland Premier Division side. The former winger, who made 100 appearances for Ireland, led the club to the title last season for the first time in 18 years. However, the 46-year-old departs after almost four years at the helm with the club sixth in the table after 22 games, 15 points adrift of leaders Shamrock Rovers. The Reds are set to take on Linfield in the First Qualifying Round of the Champions League next month. In a statement, Shels said that while they were 'deeply saddened by Damien's decision, we fully respect that he feels this is the right choice for him at this time'. 'Transformational' Shelbourne said that Duff — whose last game in charge was Friday's 1-0 home defeat to Derry City — informed the club of his decision this morning before telling the players. "During his four extraordinary years at Tolka Park, Damien transformed Shelbourne Football Club both on and off the pitch," read the club statement. It added: "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." Duff after scoring the final goal for Ireland in a 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia at the 2002 World Cup to help his side progress to the last 16 (Image: Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images) 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." Assistant manager Joey O'Brien and the coaching staff will take charge of tomorrow's trip to Waterford and will prepare the team for Friday's match at Galway United. Career Duff scored eight times during his Ireland career and played at both the 2002 World Cup and the 2012 European Championships. At club level, he played in the Premier League for Blackburn, Chelsea (with whom he won two league titles), Newcastle and Fulham, before spells with Melbourne City and Shamrock Rovers. He later joined the coaching staff at Tallaght Stadium before taking up a reserve team coaching role at Celtic, where he was eventually promoted to first team coach. He served as Stephen Kenny's assistant with the national team for nine months until January 2021, before taking over newly-promoted Shelbourne in November that year. In his debut season in 2022, he guided Shels to a seventh-place finish and a first FAI Cup Final appearance since 2011. The following year, 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 for the first time since 2006. See More: Damien Duff, Shelbourne
Irish Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
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.
Sunday World
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Sunday World
Damien Duff quits as Shelbourne boss and sends shockwaves through League of Ireland
duff bombshell | The Ireland legend decided he could offer no more to the side who claimed the Premier Division title last season. Duff could not be convinced to rethink his decision to leave the club. Photo: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile The statement released by the reigning League of Ireland Premier Division champions on Sunday confirmed the former Ireland and Chelsea star who led Shels to the title last season has decided he could offer no more to the team after a 1-0 defeat against Derry City on Friday night. 'Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager,' read the club statement. '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. Duff could not be convinced to rethink his decision to leave the club. Photo: Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile News in 90 Seconds - June 22nd '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.' Duff's decision to step down was a shock, despite his scathing criticism of team following the defeat against Derry. 'I prepared for the game like I was a professional footballer,' said Duff on Friday night. 'My wife probably cursed me at times. Three-hour siesta, ate really well, focused my mind. I would like to really, really know how many of my players prepared like me or as well as me, which is damning. 'There was a severe lack of energy, real flatness, severe lack of quality and you are going to get nowhere. I don't accept that that's our third game in a week. Never have, never will until the day I die. If you are an amazing pro you bounce into the night. Even if you are a bit tired, a bit flat, drag yourself along, give yourself a talking to. 'That's where you have to be an amazing pro, an elite pro, a pro that belongs in the Champions League which are strange words for me to say at the minute. 'Did I smell it on Thursday? Of course! It (training) was awful. It all comes from within, your energy, your motivation, how good a professional you are. 'I don't mind saying it again, because it is absolutely true. It's my energy that has driven the players for four years. I've offered them the dressing room for them to lead this show, this steam train. They've never really done it. Again, tonight, it's me shouting and screaming. Joe (O'Brien – assistant) shouting and screaming. We had a real energy because we were highly motivated men, prepared well and I didn't feel that spark, that energy off the players. 'You're all probably saying 'here he goes again'. I'm trying to drag the team, trying to wake them up, but they never woke up. 'For three years, we've been an incredibly motivated team. If you had a bad night it was a given that you get a reaction. As I told the lads upstairs, I don't know (if there will be one in Waterford on Monday). You never know with us anymore, which is damning. It's damning on me because I'm the manager. 'To become champions again, you have to be hungrier than last year, you have to work harder than last year, and again if you ask that question to our guys, I'm not sure how many would say yes, I smelled these type of issues in pre season. 'I thought I would come back and the dressing room would drive itself, because there's big characters, there's champions in there. It didn't. It's not driven by the players. It's driven by me. And like I said to Darren (Cleary – press officer), you can grab every player down here now and ask the same question: 'Is it Duffer that drives everything?' 'It is, and it gets tiring, but most importantly, it gets frustrating. Yeah, I'm there to help and coach and pick the best teams. I don't think it's the manager that should drive a dressing room that still is.'
