‘Without him we don’t win the league’ - Shelbourne star hails manager Damien Duff

Shelbourne manager Damien Duff and his staff were hailed as they delivered a first League of Ireland Premier Division in 18 years.

The Reds’ late 1-0 win over Derry City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell secured the title for a side that led the way for most of the season.

Harry Woods’ 85th minute strike was crucial, as Shamrock Rovers’ 2-1 win against Waterford would have earned them five-in-a-row had Shels failed to win.

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Midfielder Jonathan Lunney was named man of the match and he paid tribute to the former Chelsea and Ireland winger, saying: “Without him, without all the staff, they’re the best in the country, we don’t win this league. We play on the pitch but he’s the man behind the scenes putting in all the work for us.”

Reacting to the win, Lunney said: “It’s hard to put into words to be honest. I’m not really a man for emotions but that’s got the better of me today, it’s unbelievable.

“There are going to be ups and downs in a season. Nobody gave us a chance at the start of the year except us.

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“We believed the whole time, no matter what, no matter the bad form, and obviously me getting injured at such a tough time, but it was eyes on getting back and helping the team as best I could. I like to think I played my part and we got the rewards.”

As for the late nature of the win, he added: “It’s not like us here! We love a 1-0, we love scraping by. But it feels even better, a goal in the last few minutes. It’s all the sweeter.

“We didn’t make it easy, we dropped points when we shouldn’t have, but all that matters is that trophy.”

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