O'Brien succeeds Duff as Shelbourne head coach

Shelbourne have appointed Joey O'Brien to succeed Damien Duff as head coach on a long-term deal.

O'Brien, a former Republic of Ireland international, has been assistant manager at the club since 2021, working alongside Duff as the club regained the league title in 2024 after an 18-year gap.

Following Duff's shock resignation last month, O'Brien served as caretaker manager for the last two league games, away draws against Waterford and Galway United.

The club announced today that O'Brien would assume the head coach role on a long-term basis, stressing that the appointment would "ensure continuity and clarity" for the remainder of the season.

Currently fifth in the league table, Shelbourne's European campaign commences with their Champions League first leg tie against Linfield looming down the tracks next Wednesday.

"This is an incredible honour, of course being honest it was unexpected, not something I was thinking about. The opportunity came up, and I was asked to take it," O'Brien said in the statement.

"I didn't take long to say yes, I’m obviously delighted to be given the chance and grateful for the trust shown in me by the owners and the board. It’s a privilege to be given this chance to continue the work that’s been done over the last few years.

"Leading Shelbourne is a huge honour and I feel very lucky to be given that trust. I know first-hand what this club is about, and that’s an advantage coming into the job.

"Over the last three and half years I’ve got to see this club grow. This place is full of special people, and fans who have seen it all and stood by the club through everything.

Joey O'Brien and Damien Duff celebrating with the league trophy at the end of last season

"I am absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity, myself, the staff and the players we’re proud to be the custodians of such a historic club, one of the biggest in Irish football, and that’s a great honour but ultimately, Shelbourne Football Club, the heart and soul of it, is the people who are there every Friday night, making this club what it is. The job is to make those people proud and create more special memories.

"For the board and the owners, I am delighted to get this chance, it's now up to me to repay the trust they’ve shown. There’s been a great foundation laid over the last three and a half years, and I want to build on that and create even more special moments.

"I’m excited to take this step. I’ve learned a huge amount over the last three and a half years working under Damien, and ultimately, that experience has led to this moment.

"But it’s not about me, it’s all about the players. This is a proud moment for me, but the focus is on them and what we do together from here."

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