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.
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