Damien Duff makes shock exit from Shelbourne

Michael Bolton

Damien Duff has resigned as manager of League of Ireland champions Shelbourne.

The news comes just before Shelbourne play Waterford on Monday, and two weeks before their first round Champions League qualifier against Linfield.

According to the Irish Examiner, it is understood players were informed of the development at a meeting on Sunday morning.

Shelbourne sit sixth in the Premier Division, 15 points adrift of leaders Shamrock Rovers.

The former Ireland winger took over as Shelbourne manager in 2022, in his first standalone senior job, as they made their return to the top flight.

Duff helped Shelbourne end Shamrock Rovers dominance last season with their first league title in 18 years.

However, they have been unable to repeat the heroics of last season, and lost 1-0 to Derry City on Friday night.

In a statement from the club, they said: 2While 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 Divis

"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.