Damien Duff won the first trophy of his managerial career on Friday evening 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 Shelbourne needed to win at fourth-placed Derry City to be sure of lifting the title.
Shamrock indeed won their match 2-1 at home against Waterford.
Shamrock led from the fourth minute in that match, so all the pressure was on Shelbourne as they struggled to bring Derry down.
Damien Duff has won his first trophy as a manager by guiding Shelbourne to league glory
Ex-winger Duff won the English Premier League twice with Chelsea during his playing career
But Duff’s men finally broke through in the 84th minute when former Manchester United youth player Harry Wood struck to convert a rebound after the Derry keeper made an initial save to keep out a deflected shot from a free-kick block.
The goal caused a wild celebration, both on the field and in the stands.
Shelbourne finished the season with 63 points from their 36 games. Shamrock finished second with 61, ahead of St Patrick’s Athletic with 59.
Duff has been in charge of Shelbourne since November 2021.
After retiring from playing in December 2015, he began his coaching career at Shamrock, initially working with the U15s.
Shelbourne fans celebrated after seeing their goal in the 84th minute on Friday
He later played for Ireland, starting in the U15s, before becoming assistant manager to Stephen Kenny.
Duff gained further coaching experience at Glasgow Giants Celtic before eventually taking up the No. 1 job at Shelbourne.
Before Friday’s dramatic season finale, Shelbourne had not been champions of Ireland since 2006.
More to follow.