Damien Duff has lit up the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland since becoming manager of Shelbourne and now the club has announced an extension to his deal which will keep him at Tolka Park in the longer term.
Joey O’Brien, assistant manager; David McAllister, first-team coach; Mauro Martins, strength and conditioning coach; and Paul Skinner, goalkeeping coach, have also extended their contracts.
Duff has been an integral part of the club’s resurgence in recent years, bringing an elite mentality, experience, expertise, and passion to his role. Under his guidance, the team has seen real growth and development.
Duff joined in November 2021 and quickly stabilised the club in the Premier Division. In his first season at the helm, Duff led Shels to a comfortable 7th-place finish and the club’s first FAI Cup final appearance since 2011.
The progress continued in 2023 with the Reds securing a 4th placed finish, amid difficult circumstances off the pitch, with Duff guiding them back to European competition for the first time in 18 years.
The 2024 season began brightly, with Shels leading the way in the League of Ireland Premier Division. During the first half of the campaign, the club achieved several important results, including Dublin Derby wins over Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, and Bohs.
“The players, the staff and the club are always in my heart and in my head. Time to rise again,” said Duff.
“Re-signing with Shelbourne FC is a proud moment for me,” added O’Brien.
“It’s been my first experience of coaching and I’ve loved the challenge. The manager has been brilliant, the job he has done over the last two-and-a-half years is incredible, the growth in this team is clear for everyone to see and it has been a pleasure to watch it from the inside, what’s most exciting is what we can do next. The club’s ambition and the passion of our supporters make Tolka Park an incredible place to be. I am excited about what the future holds and committed to bringing success back to this club.”
“It’s absolutely amazing news for everybody connected with the club that Damien and his coaching staff have signed new long term deals with Shelbourne,” said Luke Byrne, Shelbourne FC Technical Director.
“Damien has given his life to this club, his players and our fans since the day he walked through the door and we see our futures together. It can not be underestimated how big a part in the club’s recent growth Damien, Joey, Paul, David, and Mauro have played.”
“We are all very determined to continue progressing as a team and we are aligned on how we believe we can do that. Damien and his staff have done an incredible job and we will continue supporting them in driving standards on and off the pitch. Joey and Mauro are top class in their field and along with Davey, Paul, Anthony and Rory they make up what I believe is the best staff in the country.”
“Damien’s dedication, vision, and leadership are invaluable to our club, and we look forward to achieving great things together,” concluded Barry Mocke, CEO.
“I would like to thank the shareholders and board members for backing this decision. We are working toward a sustainable and successful club and this is an important step. We’re delighted to have a special group of people leading our first team, and the commitment of Damien, Joey, David, Mauro and Paul to Shelbourne is a huge boost to the club for the coming years.”
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