Former League of Ireland star puts Rovers' quadruple as career highlight

At 37, Davey O'Sullivan still provided a man-of-the-match performance to seal the Wicklow Cup for Wicklow Rovers
Wicklow People
After Wicklow Rovers A won the Wicklow Cup – and, with it, the quadruple – Davey O'Sullivan won man of the match for his performance, and the former League of Ireland footballer described his team's achievement as the highlight of his career.
Their 3-1 extra-time win over St Peters in Travers Insurance Park, Arklow, was a sweet end to what has been a very fruitful but very long season. After taking 110 minutes to win this cup final, and with O'Sullivan playing every second of it, O'Sullivan conceded 'the body is tired,' all the more so after three cup final in three weeks.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Extra.ie​

an hour ago

• Extra.ie​

Damien Duff quits as Shelbourne manager just 24 hours before key league clash

Damien Duff has made a shock exit from his role as manager of League of Ireland champions Shelbourne, just a day before the club's Premier Division clash with Waterford. 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. Damien Duff has made a shock exit from his role as manager of League of Ireland champions Shelbourne, just a day before the club's Premier Division clash with Waterford. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile Duff, a former Republic of Ireland international, took over at Tolka Park in 2022 in what was his first senior management role. Under his leadership, Shelbourne ended Shamrock Rovers' dominance last season by claiming their first league title in 18 years. However, they have struggled to replicate that form this season, and suffered a 1-0 defeat to Derry City on Friday night. 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. Duff, a former Republic of Ireland international, took over at Tolka Park in 2022 in what was his first senior management role. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher '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. '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.

Irish Daily Mirror

3 hours ago

• Irish Daily Mirror

CONFIRMATION: Shelbourne release statement on Damien Duff

Shelbourne have released a statement confirming Damien Duff's shock departure from the Premier Division champions. The League of Ireland side has informed stunned fans that Duff is no longer in charge - and that his assistant Joey O'Brien will take charge of Monday night's clash with Waterford. This comes three-and-a-half seasons into Duff's time in charge of the Reds. He informed his players on Sunday morning of his decision, which came in the wake of an interview with club media, where he blasted his players and claimed that 'pub teams' would have more motivation and energy than they showed during Friday's home defeat to Derry City. 'Shelbourne FC regretfully wishes to announce the departure of Damien Duff as first team manager. 'Damien informed the club this morning that, after much thought, he has made the decision to resign. He shared the news with the players earlier today. '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. '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 title, our first since 2006. On the final day we went to Derry, where a 1-0 win at the Brandywell secured the title in dramatic fashion, marking Shels return to the summit of Irish football. '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. 'Joey O'Brien and the coaching staff will take charge for tomorrow's trip to the RSC to face Waterford and will prepare the team for Friday's away fixture against Galway United. 'Neil Doyle, Shelbourne FC co-owner, speaking on behalf of the board, said: 'There are no words that do justice to Damien's accomplishments at Shelbourne FC and what he has done for both the club and the League of Ireland. We look back with immense pride on his time here. As a club, we move forward with confidence, knowing that the foundations we have jointly built will underpin our continued success. Thank you, Damien, for everything.'

Irish Times

4 hours ago

• Irish Times

Damien Duff resigns as Shelbourne manager, according to reports

Damien Duff has suddenly left his role as manager of League of Ireland Premier Division champions Shelbourne before tomorrow's visit to Waterford, according to a report in the Irish Examiner. The former Ireland international resigned and players were informed of the development at a meeting on Sunday morning, the report said. It comes after Duff questioned the team's motivation and preparation after their 1-0 defeat at home to Derry City. Shelbourne play Linfield in the Champions League first round in a fortnight. 'I prepared for the game today like I was a professional footballer. My wife probably cursed me at times. Three-hour siesta, ate really well, focused my mind. READ MORE 'I would like to really, really know how many of my players prepared like me or as well as me, which is damning. 'There was a severe lack of energy, real flatness, severe lack of quality and you are going to get nowhere.' He said training was awful on Thursday before the game. 'It's my energy that has driven the players for four years. I've offered them the dressingroom for them to lead this show, this steam train. They've never really done it. 'You never know with us any more, which is damning. It's damning on me because I'm the manager. 'So what comes on Monday, who knows? Absolutely, who knows?' Shels sit sixth in the Premier Division, 15 points adrift of leaders Shamrock Rovers. Duff's representatives and Shelbourne FC have been contacted for comment.