Damien Duff won the first trophy of his managerial career on Friday night as Shelbourne ended their 18-year wait to be crowned champions of Ireland.
Duff – who won the Premier League twice with Chelsea during his playing career – went into the final day of the League of Ireland season with a two-point lead over Shamrock Rovers.
But Shamrock had a superior goal difference, meaning that Shelbourne needed to win away at fourth-placed Derry City to be sure of lifting the title.
Indeed, Shamrock won their game 2-1 at home to Waterford.
Shamrock led in that game from the fourth minute, so all the pressure was on Shelbourne as they struggled to break Derry down.
But Duff’s men finally made the breakthrough in the 84th minute when former Manchester United youth player Harry Wood pounced to convert a rebound after the Derry keeper had made an initial save to block a deflected shot from a free-kick.
The goal sparked wild celebrations – both on the field and in the stands.
Shelbourne ended the season with 63 points from their 36 matches. Shamrock finished second with 61, ahead of St Patrick’s Athletic with 59.
Duff has been in charge at Shelbourne since November 2021.
After retiring from playing in December 2015, he started his coaching career at Shamrock, where he initially worked with the U15 side.
He later for Ireland, starting with the U15s before becoming assistant manager to Stephen Kenny.
Duff gained further coaching experience at Glasgow giants Celtic before eventually taking the No 1 job at Shelbourne.
Prior to Friday’s dramatic season finale, Shelbourne had not been champions of Ireland since 2006.
More to follow.
