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Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
‘He builds players up but will also throw them under the bus': Inside the passionate mind of Damien Duff
He's more dedicated to his home base than the trappings of wealth. Now he has shocked the Irish soccer world by quitting as Shelbourne manager. John Meagher profiles the old-school boss who demands high standards Ciaran Harmon remembers the occasion like it was yesterday. It was April 2024, and Shelbourne – the League of Ireland club he supports – had just beaten fellow Dublin rivals St Patrick's Athletic at home. Damien Duff walked over to where he was standing with a vocal contingent of Shels supporters. What happened next made headlines. Duff – Shelbourne head coach, ex-Blackburn, Chelsea, Newcastle and Fulham star, and long-term Ireland international – asked Harmon to deliver the post-match team talk.
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Sam Todd and Ronan Boyce pop up with goals as Derry City hammer Drogheda Utd to take second place in Premier Division
DEFENDERS Sam Todd and Ronan Boyce struck a goal apiece as Derry City swatted Drogheda United aside to move into second place. Todd and Boyce — who both hail from 2 Derry City hammered Drogheda United Credit: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile 2 Danny Mullen of Derry City celebrates after scoring his side's third goal against Drogheda Credit: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile Carndonagh man Todd headed home the opener on 33 minutes from Michael Duffy's clipped cross. Ramelton lad Boyce then pounced to fire home a rebound after Andrew Quinn cleared Duffy's strike off the line. Substitute Danny Mullen added a third five minutes into stoppage time. Duffy was again involved as his strike at the near post was turned into the path of the Scotsman by Drogheda keeper Luke Dennison. Read More on Derry City It was a third win and clean sheet on the bounce for the Foylesiders who remain 11 points behind leaders They are now above Bohemians on goal difference. And Kevin Holt also came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the opening period when he met Duffy's inswinging free-kick. Most read in Football But his glancing header bounced just wide. Sadou Diallo then tried his luck from distance on the half hour but his effort sailed harmlessly off target . Electricity goes out during Shelbourne vs Derry City in League of Ireland opener Derry eventually broke Drogheda's resolve from a short corner. Duffy received the ball back from Whyte and clipped it into a crowded penalty area where Todd headed into the corner of the net. The hosts doubled their lead three minutes later when Duffy raced on to Liam Boyce's through ball and rounded the keeper but his strike was cleared off the line by Quinn. The clearance fell to Ronan Boyce who steered the ball into the net. Derry were well in control but Drogheda found a way in behind the City defence moments later. Thomas Oluwa got away from Mark Connolly and sent a strike towards goal but Brian Maher stood tall and saved at the front post. Carl Winchester had the ball in the net when he received the ball from a sublime defence-splitting pass from Whyte. But the Belfast man strayed offside and the goal was ruled out. Diallo then picked out the run of Duffy with a pass over the top. But the winger's effort on the volley dipped over the crossbar as Derry threatened to put the match to bed before the break. SECOND GEAR Derry continued to dominate at the start of the second half. And livewire Duffy was the next to threaten as his effort from the edge of the penalty area was just deflected behind by Conor Keeley's block. Keeley — scorer of a brace on Drogheda's last visit to the Brandywell — was then in the thick of the action at the other end. The former St Pat's defender chested down a cross inside the Derry box before volleying narrowly wide of the target on 63 minutes. Substitute Mullen put the icing on the cake in the fifth minute of stoppage time for the hosts. Duffy's strike was saved by the foot of Dennison — but it fell straight to the feet of the ex-Livingston ace who tapped in from four yards. SUN STAR MAN Michael Duffy (Derry) DERRY CITY : Maher 7; Cann 7, Connolly 7, Holt 7; R Boyce 8, Winchester 8 (McMullan 76, 6), Diallo 8 (O'Reilly 63, 6), Whyte 7 (Mullen 75, 7), Duffy 9, S Todd 8; L Boyce 7 (Benson 75, 6). DROGHEDA UNITED : Dennison 5, Kane 6 (Cruise 55, 5), Quinn 7, Harper-Bailey 6, James-Taylor 6 (Bosakani 87, 6), Farrell 5, Brennan 5 (Markey 55, 6), Heeney 6, Keeley 6, Lambe 6, Oluwa 5 (Kareem 60, 6). REFEREE : R Harvey (Dublin) 6.
Irish Examiner
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Dundalk edge Cobh Ramblers to extend lead at top of the First Division
DUNDALK 1 (Gbemi Arubi 13) COBH RAMBLERS 0 Moving week in the League of Ireland didn't end with Cobh Ramblers usurping Dundalk for top spot thanks to Gbemi Arubi's early winner. Dundalk have risen from the ashes of near extinction last September to holding within their control an immediate return to the Premier Division through a four-point cushion. Cobh, with the transfer window opening on Tuesday, will still fancy reeling in Ciarán Kilduff's Lilywhites with 15 games left but look certain to at least have a playoff shot at returning to the Premier stage they last graced in 2008. Whereas one set of fans demanded promotion, the other in Cobh were able to dream of a Premier Division. That optimism originated from the fan-owned club being taken into private ownership, international consortium F32 vowing to elevate Cobh to 'new heights.' That was evident in the arsenal of funds new manager Mick McDermott was supplied with, facilitating the recruitment of several players part of Cork City's First Division title winning team. In fact, adding in former Waterford duo Niall O'Keefe and Shane Griffin, only two of the outfield starters at Oriel hadn't tasted promotion over the past two years. It wasn't long, however, before fears grew over the sustainability of that spend when the multi-club mothership encountered financial difficulties. Funds were guaranteed to a certain juncture, by which the custodians required a replacement to maintain levels. Assiduous work in the background ensured continuity. That potential turbulence didn't detract from results, the Rams joining Bray Wanderers in providing the competition for the pacesetters in Co Louth. A haul of 28 points from a possible 33 over the last 11 games, allied to Dundalk encountering their first blip of the campaign, lifted them to within a point of the leaders. Momentum was on their side in the psychology of being able to leave Oriel with top spot but their plan to be patient by quieting the home crowd went askew after only 13 minutes. Cobh's defensive partnership of Cian Coleman and Shane Griffin – First and Premier Division winners respectively last year – were tested by lofted crosses early and their failure to deal with Luke Mulligan's delivery from the right cost them. Eoin Kenny was involved in the build-up too and his presence in the box caused hesitancy but Arubi still had to execute a brilliant acrobatic volley to send the ball zipping past Timothy Martin. Arubi was a graduate of Damien Duff at Shelbourne in his teens and at 21 inhabits the middle section of the age-scale across Dundalk's team. Vinnie Leonard turned 17 in March while at the other end of the spectrum of Keith Ward. Having the 34-year-old, along with former Ireland winger Daryl Horgan two years his junior, is vital to navigating the chase for the only and only direct ticket to next year's Premier Division. Dean Ebbe is another thirty-something wh0's been around the block and was close to converting Horgan's dinked cross to the back post just past the half hour mark. Arubi could have had more by the end of a half in which Cobh were second best, unable to reproduce their recent form. Home 'keeper Enda Minogue was busier after the break, denying Barry Coffey from an acute angle and turning over a long-range shot by Jonas Häkkinen. Dundalk also fashioned openings to extend their buffer. Ebbe was brushed off the ball by O'Keeffe as he was poised to convert Horgan's cutback while Kenny saw his raking drive hacked off the goal-line by Coleman. Horgan himself raced clear in stoppage time, only to be foiled by Luxembourg native Martin in the visitors' goal. Two late bookings incurred for Coleman saw him suffer a similar red card fate to what he suffered on his last trip to Oriel with Cork City. Elsewhere 10-man Wexford produced a sensational comeback from 3-1 to secure a memorable 4-3 victory against Kerry, who saw Sean McGrath net a first half hat-trick on his 100th appearance for the club. Meanwhile Bray Wanderers secured an impressive 4-0 win away at bottom side Athlone Town to climb up to third and above Treaty United in the table, following their 1-0 loss at home by Finn Harps, who grabbed the winner when Gradi Lomboto struck 15 minute's from time. DUNDALK: E Minogue; L Mulligan (S McHale 71), M Animasahun, V Leonard, S McHale, S Keogh; A Dervin, K Ward (A Paraschiv 60); E Kenny, D Ebbe (H Groome; 59), D Horgan; G Arubi. COBH RAMBLERS: T Martin; J Häkkinen, C Coleman, Shane A Griffin, L Le Bervet (J O'Donovan 86; N O'Keeffe (J Abbott 71), Shane Griffin; D Holland (S Bellis 65), B Coffey, M Whelan; C Murphy (B Frahill 86). Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin). Attendance: 1,487.
Irish Independent
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
League of Ireland: Wins for Shamrock Rovers and Derry while Bohs secure late draw
Live | Today at 14:00 There's another action-packed evening ahead in the League of Ireland with all ten Premier Division clubs in action. You can follow all the action as it unfolds here. Key updates GOAL! The Candystripes sign off in style! Derry City 3 – Drogheda United 0 Into injury time in the Brandywell and Danny Mullen has added some extra gloss to the scoreboard as Kevin Doherty's Drogheda ship a third goal in the 95th-minute. GOAL! Bohs snatch a point at the death! Bohemians 1 – Sligo Rovers 1 It's heartbreak for the Bit O'Red and sheer ecstasy for the Bohs fans in the Jodi Stand as James Clarke - the 24-year-old who was simply untouchable in the derby - drives the ball into the net in the 95th-minute. Bohemians have been pushing for an equaliser all game with chances aplenty and they've finally taken one. Dayle Rooney's corner headed home by the young striker. GOAL! The Hoops make the breakthrough! Shamrock Rovers 1 - Waterford 0 Rovers take the lead through Rory Gaffney on 74 minutes. It's a total howler by Blues keeper Stephen McMullan, who completely spills Danny Mandroiu's shot from distance and Gaffney was first to pounce and tap into an empty net. With Bohs and Drogheda currently losing their games, how crucial a goal may that prove to be in the title race. - Sean O'Connor live from Tallaght. GOAL! Galway restore parity! Galway United 1 - Shelbourne 1 And it's 1-1 and suddenly all those Odubeko misses are no laughing matter for Shels. Conor Kearns cries foul as he is put under pressure from Cillian Tollett after a punt into the box but the ref isn't interested and Bobby Burns knocks the ball into the empty net. - Dan McDonnell reporting from Eamonn Deacy Park. TWO GOALS! Todd and Boyce convert in a flash! Derry City 2 – Drogheda United 0 After defeating Athletic last Monday, Derry City appear to be maintaining their momentum as Sam Todd opens the scoring in the 34th-minute. Just two minutes later - practically with the next significant attack - Ronan Boyce drills the ball past Luke Dennison to double the host's advantage. GOAL! The Bit O'Red in front at Dalymount! Bohemians 0 – Sligo Rovers 1 Just approaching the half-hour mark in Phibsborough and it's the visitors from the west who open the scoring. Owen Elding with the goal which came in the 28th-minute. It's another sensational strike from the 19-year-old - similar to his one against Shels - as he picked the ball up on halfway before smacking it beyond Chorazka with the aid of the crossbar. Screamer! GOAL! Shels take the lead at Eamonn Deacy Park! Galway United 0 - Shelbourne 1 And it's 1-0 to Shelbourne. JJ Lunney cross and a header from Mipo Odubeko. The champions have started this game very well and deserve their lead. - Dan McDonnell reporting live. League of Ireland (All Kick-offs 7.45pm unless stated) Premier Division (Full-time) Bohemians 1 – Sligo Rovers 1 Cork City 0 – Athletic 0 Derry City 3 – Drogheda United 0 Galway United 1 – Shelbourne 1 Shamrock Rovers 1 – 0 Waterford (8pm) (Full-time) First Division (Full-time) Athlone Town 0 – Bray Wanderers 4 Dundalk 1 – Cobh Ramblers 0 Treaty United 0 – Finn Harps 1 Wexford 4 – Kerry 3 Just now That's going to be that in terms of our coverage this evening! It was a pleasure to guide you through all the action and thank you for joining us for yet another thrilling round of League of Ireland drama. Make sure to keep an eye on the Irish Independent as the evening progresses for further post-match reports and articles. Enjoy the rest of your night! We will leave you with Virgin Media's interview with Cork City's man of the match Greg Bolger: Virgin Media Sport on Twitter / X 🗣️ "If Kitt Nelson puts that one away it puts us in the driving seat."🗣️ "Probably disappointed we didn't get all three points."🗣️ "We'll keep going, keep grafting."SSE Airtricity Player of the Match Greg Bolger speaking to Bernard O'Toole after Cork City 0-0 St Pat's. Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 27, 2025 2 minutes ago The final say of the night comes from Sean O'Connor who watched the Hoops down Waterford: FT: Shamrock Rovers 1 - Waterford 0 It's all over here in Tallaght and Shamrock Rovers secure a huge three points courtesy of Rory Gaffney's late strike, after a howler from Blues goalkeeper Stephen McMullan. Waterford did have the chances to open the scoring in this one but just couldn't take them, with tonight's win, the Hoops' fifth in a row over the men from the south east, extending their lead by another two points and out to 11 with just 12 games remaining. 11 minutes ago Full-time: Cork City 0 - Athletic 0 No goals to speak of in Turners Cross! Kitt Nelson's chance just before the break was probably the best opportunity of the game. Overall, the Rebels probably shaded the opportunities, but the Saints had their fair share of efforts from Brandon Kavanagh and Zach Elbouzedi. As the Virgin Media full-time post on Twitter/X put it, far from a classic! Virgin Media Sport on Twitter / X ▪️ A first clean sheet for Cork City▪️ More points dropped for St Pat'sIan Morris and Graham Gartland give their full-time thoughts after a scoreless draw at Turner's Cross. Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) June 27, 2025 14 minutes ago Dan McDonnell signs off from Eamonn Deacy Park: Full time Galway United 1 Shelbourne 1 - all those Odubeko misses came back to haunt Shels in the end. 17 minutes ago GOAL! The Candystripes sign off in style! Derry City 3 – Drogheda United 0 Into injury time in the Brandywell and Danny Mullen has added some extra gloss to the scoreboard as Kevin Doherty's Drogheda ship a third goal in the 95th-minute. 18 minutes ago GOAL! Bohs snatch a point at the death! Bohemians 1 – Sligo Rovers 1 It's heartbreak for the Bit O'Red and sheer ecstasy for the Bohs fans in the Jodi Stand as James Clarke - the 24-year-old who was simply untouchable in the derby - drives the ball into the net in the 95th-minute. Bohemians have been pushing for an equaliser all game with chances aplenty and they've finally taken one. Dayle Rooney's corner headed home by the young striker. League of Ireland on Twitter / X Bohs do it again late on!🔴⚫Can they go get a winner? League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) June 27, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. 21 minutes ago Sean Boyd goes close as Dan McDonnell reports from Eamonn Deacy Park: Big miss from Sean Boyd as we enter the five mins of stoppage time. Galway sub Conor McCormack has gone off after two stoppages where he was down receiving treatment - United have made their sixth sub as a consequence with McCormack holding an ice pack to the back of his head. Presumably, it's going into the book as concussion. 24 minutes ago GOAL! The Hoops make the breakthrough! Shamrock Rovers 1 - Waterford 0 Rovers take the lead through Rory Gaffney on 74 minutes. It's a total howler by Blues keeper Stephen McMullan, who completely spills Danny Mandroiu's shot from distance and Gaffney was first to pounce and tap into an empty net. With Bohs and Drogheda currently losing their games, how crucial a goal may that prove to be in the title race. - Sean O'Connor live from Tallaght. League of Ireland on Twitter / X Rory Gaffney's goal to put Shamrock Rovers in front!☘️One that Stephen McMullan will want to forget. League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) June 27, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. 26 minutes ago 90+1' CLOSE! Rio Shipston fires a long ball over the top to Cathal O'Sullivan. The 18-year-old attempts to lob Anang but it sails over the bar by a fair few feet. Decent attack but no end product. Cork's Greg Bolger has been named as tonight's man of the match. 28 minutes ago 88' Jake Mulraney wins a corner for Pat's off Rio Shipston. The ball is whipped in but it fails to beat the first man - this pretty much sums up this game unfortunately. Both sides missing their shooting boots! We will have 5 minutes of additional time to play in Turners Cross. 30 minutes ago Waterford ring in the changes with less than 20 minutes remaining in Tallaght: Two changes for the Blues here who are well in this contest, as Kyle White and Dean McMenamy replace Jesse Dempsey and Rowan McDonald. - Sean O'Connor 31 minutes ago GOAL! Galway restore parity! Galway United 1 - Shelbourne 1 And it's 1-1 and suddenly all those Odubeko misses are no laughing matter for Shels. Conor Kearns cries foul as he is put under pressure from Cillian Tollett after a punt into the box but the ref isn't interested and Bobby Burns knocks the ball into the empty net. - Dan McDonnell reporting from Eamonn Deacy Park. League of Ireland on Twitter / X Eamonn Deacy Park has erupted!💥Bobby Burns gets the equaliser for the hosts. League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) June 27, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. 33 minutes ago First Division updates: Athlone Town 0 – Bray Wanderers 4 (85 mins) Kilian Cantwell has joined in on the Seagulls' rout of Athlone Town with their fourth goal coming in the 66th-minute. Treaty United 0 – Finn Harps 1 (85 mins) The deadlock has finally been broken at Park and it's the visitors from Ballybofey with the goal - Gradi Lomboto bags his second goal in as many games with a 76th-minute strike. Wexford 4 – Kerry 3 (85 mins) Incredible! Ferrycarrig has been treated to a spectacle for the ages here! Once again, the 10-men of Wexford battled back to reach parity thanks to Aaron Dobbs' goal. Cometh the hour, cometh the man - Mikie Rowe makes it a brace as he nudges the numerically disadvantaged hosts in front! League of Ireland on Twitter / X Has Gradi Lomboto scored the winner for Finn Harps for the second week in a row?🔵 League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) June 27, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. League of Ireland on Twitter / X The greatest comeback of all time?😮Ten men Wexford have come back from 3-1 down with Mikie Rowe getting the vital goal. League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) June 27, 2025 38 minutes ago Sean O'Connor with the latest report from Shamrock Rovers-Waterford: Just past the hour mark here in Tallaght and it remains scoreless. It's turning into a night for the goalkeepers with both kept busy and so far, keeping their sides in it, with Rovers' Michael Noonan and Waterford's Rowan McDonald both seeing efforts saved since the restart. On a side note, the official attendance here has been confirmed as 4,014, which is the club's lowest home league attendance so far this year. The Hoops need a spark here and Stephen Bradley has introduced Jack Byrne and Rory Gaffney with 25 minutes left on the clock, Dylan Watts and Graham Burke come off. 42 minutes ago 73' Where Cork are getting joy down the left, are reaping rewards down the right. A corner causes some bother before Freddie Anderson can clear and Evan McLaughlin wins a pressure-relieving free. Rio Shipston and Josh Fitzpatrick replace Greg Bolger and Matt Kiernan for Cork. Meanwhile, Stephen Kenny introduces Kian Leavy and Chris Forrester for Elbouzedi and Baggley. 46 minutes ago 69' Better play from Cork as Evan McLaughlin feeds Seani Maguire who cut the ball back into the box. Sean Hoare did well to smash it away to the safety of the sideline. A penalty appeal from the Rebels faithful falls on deaf ears. 49 minutes ago 67' Mason Melia's night comes to an end as Aidan Keena enters the fray. It was an unusually quiet night for the Saints marksman who really only managed one shot at goal in the form of a first-half header that cleared the crossbar. 51 minutes ago 65' Ger Nash turns to his bench again as he replaces Sean Murray with Evan McLaughlin. Murray had a fine game in midfield where he dictated play alongside Greg Bolger. Possibly unlucky not to score either! 53 minutes ago Dan McDonnell spots a triple alteration from Joey O'Brien in the 65th-minute: A treble change from Shels and one of their new arrivals - Tyreke Wilson - sends in a cross that Odubeko heads wide under no pressure. Kerr McInroy and Evan Caffrey have also come into the fray.
Irish Independent
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
League of Ireland: Leaders Shamrock Rovers host Waterford while Sligo visit Dalymount
Live | There's another action-packed evening ahead in the League of Ireland with all ten Premier Division clubs in action. You can follow all the action as it unfolds here. League of Ireland (All Kick-offs 7.45pm unless stated) Premier Division Bohemians v Sligo Rovers Cork City v St Patrick's Athletic Derry City v Drogheda United Galway United v Shelbourne Shamrock Rovers v Waterford (8.00pm) First Division Athlone Town v Bray Wanderers Dundalk v Cobh Ramblers Treaty United v Finn Harps Wexford v Kerry 2 minutes ago Some pre-match watching for you all – Dan McDonnell and Sean O'Connor preview tonight's round of League of Ireland action: Watch: League of Ireland weekend preview – What next as the dust around Damien Duff's departure starts to disperse Seán O'Connor and Daniel McDonnell preview the League of Ireland weekend as the dust around Damien Duff's departure from league champions Shelbourne starts to disperse. 4 minutes ago Good evening and welcome to another Irish Independent live blog covering Matchday 22 of the League of Ireland Premier Division. My name is Ultán Corcoran, and I will be keeping you up to speed with all the action it unfolds around the grounds. We have five games kicking off at 7.45pm tonight as Cork City host Athletic with televised coverage on Virgin Media Two. We will also have updates from Galway United vs Shelbourne, Derry City vs Drogheda United, Bohemians vs Sligo Rovers and the slightly later 8pm kick-off between Shamrock Rovers vs Waterford. Score updates will be provided for all four First Division games starting at 7.45pm too.
