Dramatic scenes as former Celtic coach secures league title

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·1 November 2024

Dramatic scenes as former Celtic coach secures league title

Former Celtic coach Damien Duff has helped Shelbourne to their first League of Ireland title in 18 years…

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium, Derry 1/11/2024 Derry City vs Shelbourne Shelbourne manager Damien Duff celebrates winning Damien Duff celebrates winning 1/11/2024 Photo INPHO/ Dan Sheridan

The ex-Chelsea midfielder was ecstatic as an 85th minute winner delivered the three points to seal the title.

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With Shamrock Rovers on their tail, Shelbourne knew that they needed to win away in Derry. Shamrock were 2-1 up with the game entering the final exchanges but a Harry Wood strike five minutes from time meant that Shamrock were denied a fifth consecutive title.

Shelbourne are Champions! The final whistle goes at the Ryan McBride Brandywell and Shelbourne are crowned League of Ireland Premier Division champions after a 1-0 win away to Derry City.
– Friday, 1 November 2024

Damien Duff at Celtic

Damien Duff was appointed to the first team role a few months after arriving when Brendan Rodgers and his backroom staff left for Leicester City. This left Duff as first team coach to Neil Lennon and John Kennedy, who were retained after the Treble Treble season. The following season Duff helped the club win 9IAR and the League Cup before deciding to return home to Ireland for family reasons.

Damien Duff, Celtic first team coach arrives at the stadium prior to the Scottish Cup quarter final match between Hibernian and Celtic at Easter Road on March 02, 2019.(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

He then joined the FAI as Stephen Kenny’s Assistant Manager but resigned from this role at the start of the year after controversy due to showing the team an inspirational short film about Ireland’s past with England ahead of a friendly at Wembley.