Inside Damien Duff's life beyond football with wife & kids as legend quits Shelbourne in shock exit
DAMIEN Duff stunned Irish football on Sunday by abruptly quitting his post as Shelbourne manager.
He had clearly
4
He'd been in charge at Tolka Park since November 2021
4
Wife Elaine often acts as calming presence amid the frenzied life of being a manager
Advertisement
4
Son Woody was named after film icon Woody Allen
4
Daughter Darcy is the younger of their two children
After all, only last season he had
The previous campaign had also seen the newly promoted outfit fare well under his watch as they established themselves in the Premier Division and
Advertisement
But with his high-strung manner and insistence at seemingly being 100 per cent honest in every media appearance, a downturn in results was always going to see things go downhill in rapid fashion.
Here, SunSport delves into the Republic of Ireland legend's life away from the football pitch:
Read More On Irish Football
Who is Damien Duff's wife and how long have they been married?
Duff has been married to spouse Elaine since 2010. Their wedding took place in Somerset, England.
They live in a secluded part of Wicklow. Ballyboden native Duff often cites how Elaine is a valuable sounding board for him to vent after a match or training session hasn't gone according to plan.
Advertisement
In a revealing 2024 interview with former Ireland teammate Richie Sadlier he acknowledged she
Speaking on the
Most read in Football
Gossip
Exclusive
Expanding on the impact that results on the pitch were having on his home life, Duff recalled a draw with Dundalk early in his tenure.
The 46-year-old explained that his inability to process the result in a healthy manner led to an argument with his wife.
Shelbourne manager Damien Duff gives sweet birthday shoutout to his mother after his side's draw against St Pat's
He added: "I won't go into too much detail, but I remember, it would have been a live game and it was drawn. It was on RTE but it wasn't a great game. I think the next couple of nights, not a lot of sleep.
Advertisement
"I work more efficiently but back then it was working on not a lot of sleep and you're driven by anger.
"I remember having a right barney with Elaine and it was probably a turning point in my personal life and professional life that, no, that's not right.
"Elaine got the brunt. You always take it out on the people you love most. That was a big wake up call for me."
Asked if he got help, he revealed: "Yeah, I had to. I went and spoke to the doc and I went and spoke to people and doc even noticed.
"When he'd seen me speak or live interviews that I didn't look right, that I looked really angry. That I wasn't Damien Duff.
Advertisement
"I like to think I've a good heart and believe it or not I'm a softly spoken guy. I know people are probably shocked by that when they see me on the sideline."
How many children do they have?
Duff generally lives a very private life with no social media presence to glean insights into his home life with Elaine and their two kids, Woody and Darcy.
But we do know that Woody is the eldest of their two children having been born in 2011 while daughter Darcy came along in the years afterwards.
Woody was born with a hole in his heart which led to him having surgery at just six months. Damien has spoken about how the hours in the waiting room of the hospital were the toughest of his life.
Thankfully, the procedure was a complete success and Woody's life hasn't been inhibited from it.
Advertisement
In 2014, Damien told The Irish Times: 'When they first diagnosed it they said: 'Well, he mightn't be a professional footballer but he'll live a long and healthy life.'
"But when we go back now, the same professor says he'll be grand, that he can do whatever he wants. So it's obviously going well.'
He has since regularly supported Children's Heart Ireland and while coaching at
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
22 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
This house has appeared on DOZENS of hit TV shows – but would you recognise it?
A HOUSE that has featured in dozens of hit TV shows has hit the market for a cool £2million. The property has featured in The Advertisement 6 The property is selling for £2 million Credit: Croft Residential 6 Beacholme boasts panoramic sea views Credit: Croft Residential Marketed by Croft Residential the £2 million Grade II listed property has been described as Yorkshire's most photographed home. Beacholme in Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire, was built right on the beach and dates back to 1650. Painter and sculptor Barbara Hepworth spent her early life holidaying at the property with her family. She painted many of her masterpieces from her bedroom window. Advertisement The property featured in an episode of the Hairy Bikers Go North with Charlie Luxton Filmed an episode of 2014 series Homes by the Sea that featured the property heavily. Agents Croft Residential said: "Beacholme offers an extraordinarily rare opportunity to acquire one of the most exclusive and sensational The historic property was listed on Rightmove on the 17 of June for a staggering £2 million. Advertisement Most read in Money It boasts three floors, three bathrooms and three bedrooms with each getting its on en suite. The house offers several Inside three bed family home on Irish market for €170k on 'generous site,' in 'desirable location' The same terrace was used by Johnny Vegas to record an episode of his popular Croft Residential said in their listing: "Beacholme is a piece of living history, only previously passed down the generations through word of mouth: this is a once in a lifetime chance to own something irreplaceable." Advertisement Located in the historic town of The property is built right on top of the beach with the sea reaching Beacholme's exterior walls at high tide. 6 The terrace was used to film an episode of the Hairy Bikers Credit: Croft Residential 6 Barbara Hepworth spent her childhood family holidays in the home Credit: Croft Residential Advertisement Every window and balcony of the property offers a stunning sea view and the local town can provide all the essential amenities. Private steps lead from the property to the sea offering easy beach access to the owner. Croft Residential went on to say: " Homes of this calibre - with direct beach access, Read more on the Irish Sun "Whether you're dreaming of a serene coastal retreat to call home or an utterly unique holiday escape, this exceptional property delivers on every level, combining comfort, character, and an unrivalled location by the sea." Advertisement Beacholme came on the market on June 17 and is currently open for viewings and bids. 6 Three bedrooms, each with en suits are spread across the three floors of the house Credit: Croft Residential 6 The home has private staircase leading to the beach Credit: Croft Residential Inside the 'saddest' Grand Designs house Savills's listing reads: "The property represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take on and finish the specification and fit out of one of the UK's most spectacularly situated coastal homes. "The bespoke design has been brought to life through impressive engineering, with the building being anchored to the bedrock, blending whitewashed elevations with steel and glass, culminating with a lighthouse feature at one end giving almost 360-degree views of the coastline. "The position combines privacy with a diverse range of breath-taking views, all set in around 3 acres, which includes a large area of foreshore, a private tidal beach area and coves." The property is set in three acres of land and is equipped with an infinity pool and a hot tub as well as a spacious driveway. Nic Chbat, director of Match Property estate agents in North Devon, who previously assisted with He added the previous buyer was 'still wanting to buy the property,' and the sale was still expected to proceed. The new listing though would suggest the purchase was never made with the sale now being handled by London-based estate agents Savills. A spokeswoman for both Savills and the receivers Bellevue Mortlakes said: "The sale represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase one of the UK's most spectacularly situated coastal homes and for the buyer to put the finishing touches to the property's interior to their own specification. 'The current sale price (offers in excess of £5.25m) represents fair value noting the prevailing economic and heterogeneous nature of this opportunity. "The property has panoramic sea views and is set in grounds of over three acres, including foreshore and a tidal beach, with accommodation extending to over 6,260 sq ft. 'The detached guest lodge/holiday let accommodation extends to about 1,270 sq ft and is included in the sale price. 'Subject to registration with the agents, the receiver has provided an extensive suite of information and supporting documentation relating to the building's history, construction and title, which are available via an online data room."
The Irish Sun
37 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
‘I am just so happy to be at this point' says beloved Dublin music icon as he finally becomes Irish citizen aged 63
THOUSANDS of new citizens were conferred with Irish citizenship today - including U2 guitarist The Edge. The musician otherwise known as 5 The Edge obtained his Irish citizenship after 62 years of living in Ireland Credit: 5 Thousands were conferred with Irish citizenship in the ceremony Credit: 5 Former CNN News TV anchor Gina London celebrates after receiving her Irish citizenship Credit: Sitting literally at the edge of the row at the ceremony in He smiled throughout and shook hands with his neighbours front and back after the oath of allegiance. Becoming an Irish citizen could not have been more meaningful than at the present time, he said. Speaking briefly to reporters afterwards, he described becoming an Irish citizen with so many others as 'a monumental day for all of us'. READ MORE ON SHOWBIZ He said: "I guess, you know, I'm a little tardy with the paperwork. I've been living in "It's showing real leadership right now in the world and it couldn't come at a better moment for me so I am just so happy to be at this point to be in even deeper connection with my homeland.' The application didn't take that long and was quite straightforward. He said: 'A couple of years to deal with all the ins and outs. But it was actually quite straight forward. Most read in Celebrity "Honestly there were many moments in the past when I could have done it with just the form to be filled out but I'm happy it's now." He added: "It feels more significant, it feels more meaningful." Bundee Aki says 'I will cherish this moment' after celebrating huge life milestone in Dublin ceremony Asked why, the "We are talking really about showing leadership in the world, supporting our international bodies, the ICC, Asked if Ireland could do more, he said: "Can it do more? I think it's doing a lot. I'm not sure there is much more it could do more to be honest. "I'm not sure there's much more it could do to be honest." 7,500 NEW IRISH CITIZENS Applicants from over 143 countries and across all 32 counties on the island numbering 7,500 are making the declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State and becoming Irish citizens. Over seven ceremonies held over two days, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, NEW IRISH CITIZENSHIPS STATS Top 10 nationalities of applicants: India - 1,888 Brazil - 817 UK - 516 Philippines - 480 Romania - 470 Poland - 396 South Africa - 318 Nigeria - 257 China (including Hong Kong) - 234 USA - 224 Applicants per county: Antrim - 27 Armagh - 6 Carlow - 76 Cavan - 95 Clare - 123 Cork - 777 Derry 4 Donegal - 115 Down - 15 Dublin - 3,820 Fermanagh - 2 Galway - 358 Kerry - 114 Kildare - 619 Kilkenny - 77 Laois - 132 Leitrim - 19 Limerick - 270 Longford - 49 Louth - 248 Mayo - 104 Meath - 380 Monagahn - 42 Offaly - 63 Roscommon - 58 Sligo - 52 Tipperary - 118 Tyrone - 4 Waterford - 145 Westmeath - 135 Wexford - 130 Wicklow - 270 Speaking at the ceremonies on Monday, Minister O'Callaghan it was a special and important occasion in Killarney and he congratulated everyone. O'Callaghan said: 'It is a great privilege to become a citizen of this country and obviously with it comes responsibilities and duties and I think everyone who is taking on citizenship will be aware of that." The word citizen in Irish is derived from the word 'saor', meaning freedom, the Minister said. He added that he hopes Ireland's newest citizens would embrace 'the full freedom and opportunities Ireland has to offer you.' There was another important Irish word, 'meitheal', and it meant working together towards a common good, the minister also said. He added: "I encourage all new citizens to continue to actively engage in their communities so that, together, we can build a thriving society". 5 Thousands were seen celebrating after the ceremony Credit: 5 O'Callaghan hopes Ireland's newest citizens would embrace 'opportunities Ireland has to offer you' Credit:
Irish Examiner
43 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
Beautiful day as U2's The Edge becomes an Irish citizen
It was a beautiful day for U2 guitarist The Edge, who finally became an Irish citizen after a lifetime representing the country on the global stage. David Howell Evans, 63, famously known as The Edge, was born in Essex and is the child of Welsh parents, but has lived in Ireland since he was a one-year-old. The Edge shakes hands with a fellow new citizen after the ceremony at Gleneagle Killarney. He said: 'Today's ceremony was very moving, the room was full of so many people, everyone from different backgrounds, with different stories. It was a privilege to be a part of it and to experience the collective joy as we all became citizens together.' Picture: Don MacMonagle He was among thousands of people receiving Irish citizenship at a special event in Killarney on Monday. Sporting a tricolour clip on his lapel, and wearing his distinctive cap, the guitarist enjoyed every moment of the ceremony, describing it as a "monumental day'. Thousands of new Irish citizens at the citizenship ceremony at Gleneagle Killarney on Monday. Photo: Don MacMonagle "I guess, you know, I'm a little tardy with the paper work. I've been living in Ireland now since I was one year old. But the time is right. And I couldn't be more proud of my country for all that it represents and all that it is doing. "It's showing real leadership right now in the world and it couldn't come at a better moment for me so I am just so happy to be at this point to be in even deeper connection with my homeland." Former CNN News TV anchor Gina London from Indiana in the US celebrates after receiving her Irish citizenship in Killarney on Monday. Photo: Don MacMonagle On Ireland's role in international relations amid devastating conflicts in the Middle East, he added: "We are talking really about showing leadership in the world, supporting our international bodies, the ICC [the International Criminal Court], the UN, speaking truth to power." Applicants from 143 countries, numbering 7,500 people, are making the declaration of fidelity and loyalty to the State to become Irish citizens in ceremonies taking place over two days. Gina London, a CNN White House correspondent during the Clinton presidency, was among 224 citizens from the USA receiving citizenship. Gina, originally from Indiana, has been living in Ireland for 10 years and became emotional during the ceremony. 'I am thrilled. This is for me," she said. Some of the new citizens taking part in the ceremony at Gleneagle Killarney on Monday. Photo: Don MacMonagle Claudia Dolan from Maynooth, Kildare, originally from Mozambique cdelebrates after receiving Irish citizenship in Killarney on Monday. Photo: Don MacMonagle
