Daniel McDonnell: Drogheda's European pain will linger as Ben Boycott ponders multi-club future
United co-chairman admits internal confidence around navigating Uefa's ownership rules were 'misplaced' but resolves to fix 'bump in the road'
It was late Monday morning in Birmingham, Alabama when Ben Boycott, the co-chairman of Drogheda United, learned the crushing news that the club's European campaign was over before it had started. He immediately booked a flight to Ireland and told his wife he was going to be away until the weekend.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) hearing that confirmed Drogheda's fate, by standing over Uefa's decision to expel them from the Europa Conference League, may have been a six-hour virtual affair with scratchy connectivity, but Boycott knew the fall-out needed to be handled face to face.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Very volatile conflict', says Harris as evacuation of 15 Irish citizens from Israel underway amid US strikes on Iran
EFFORTS are under way to evacuate 15 Irish citizens from Israel, Tanaiste Simon Harris has said. The Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that an operation was ongoing to evacuate 15 Advertisement 2 US strikes on Iran had made a 'volatile situation even more dangerous' Credit: AFP or licensors 2 Simon Harris confirmed that the evacuation of Irish citizens from Israel is currently underway Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved He said they were working with a smaller number of citizens in Around 29 Irish citizens in Iran had registered with the Irish embassy and around 200 in Mr Harris said he spoke to Iran's deputy foreign minister on Sunday, at their request, who was 'full of anger'. Talking to the reporters at Government Buildings, he said: 'He did say to me that it was the view of Iran that the aggressors would have to learn lessons and pay a price. Advertisement READ MORE ON ISRAEL-IRAN 'Of course I articulated in the strongest possible terms that Ireland and the Mr Harris said the Taoiseach They said they are in close contact with their European counterparts before a meeting of EU foreign leaders on Monday and of EU leaders later in the week. Advertisement Most read in Irish News Exclusive The 'Iran should commit not to develop nuclear weapons and disavow its nuclear and uranium enrichment programme. The Sun reports from inside as Israel as tensions flare following US air strikes ' BREACH OF INTERNATIONAL LAWS Martin added that the escalation on Sunday should not draw attention away from the Advertisement He said: 'We shouldn't lose sight of the catastrophe that is still unfolding in Gaza while the war between Iran and Israel continues. 'What is happening in Staff from Ireland's embassy in Harris said there were no plans to withdraw Irish troops and that 'decisions are being made constantly' to ensure their safety. Advertisement 'VOLATILE CONFLICT' When asked whether he supported US President 'We're now entering a moment of particular danger, because I think the chances now of a spiral of escalation are more likely than ever before, and there is a real prospect now of the international community losing all control of this very, very volatile conflict.' He said there was only a 'very small' number of Irish citizens, many dual nationals, seeking an evacuation, and they were working with European counterparts. He said a significant update on this would be available in the hours ahead. Advertisement 'EXTRAORDINARILY DANGEROUS TIME' Speaking on 'But imagine if we were waking up this morning to a situation where radiation levels were extraordinarily high, and the health and human danger that that would have presented far beyond Iran as well. So this is an extraordinarily dangerous time.' He said that it was 'sadly true' that international legal norms are not being adhered to, citing the He said there was a diplomatic process in train and his understanding from readouts was 'there was a commitment from the Iranian side to further talks'. Advertisement POSSESSION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS Harris said 'The way to address this was always through a negotiated solution. Any alternative to that is simply too dangerous for civilians, for the 'Together with my EU counterparts, we will in the coming hours and days discuss and review the latest developments and consider the next steps Europe can usefully play to support de-escalation.' Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan said people woke up on Sunday 'terrified, really, to be quite honest, about the prospect of what's unfolding'. Advertisement 'TERRIFYING' He told RTE's The Week In Politics it is 'terrifying' for citizens in Iran and Israel. He said: 'It does take great people to make leaps of faith in particular places in time to come forward, whether it was in relation to (Anwar el-Sadat) in Egypt, and later on in relation to 'Because, ultimately, as the Taoiseach said, this is terrifying – not only for the innocent communities that are living in both countries, but as well as that for the neighbouring countries in the Middle East, who we obviously all hope are not drawn into a much bigger conflict.'
Extra.ie
2 hours 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.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Damien's impact was transformational' – Shelbourne release statement after shock resignation of boss Duff
DAMIEN DUFF has quit as Shelbourne manager after telling his players during training on Sunday morning. Duff, 46, informed players as they prepared for Monday night's league visit to Waterford that he was 2 Damien Duff resigned as manager of Shelbourne on Sunday afternoon 2 The Dublin LOI champions released a statement after news of the departure hit the headlines And while Rumours of the That there appeared to be a culture of omerta around the club as well as there was a code of silence, though RTE announced that Duff confirmed to them that he had resigned. And, at just after 4pm on Sunday, read more on football A statement read: '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. Most read in Football '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. Damien Duff mercilessly trolled by rival fans over bizarre attempt to go incognito while serving ban "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.'
