THE SPECIAL ONE

Damien Duff's Shels reign already LOI folklore

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DAMIEN DUFF is the special one - always has been, always will be.

What I like and respect most about him is that he comes from a great family, understands the value of togetherness - and gave the Shelbourne family memories they will never forget.

He is a fantastic human being.

Shelbourne are giants but few moments will ever mean more than that league title Duff delivered last season.

"Duffer Time" will be remembered as a dreamy and glorious period for not just Shelbourne but for the League of Ireland.

Duffer delivered again and again.

Some of the drivel over the last few days is an insult to the great man; to claim that we should not be surprised at his sudden exit just a few days before Shelbourne are in the Champions League for the first time in nearly two decades is simply nonsense.

It’s a choice made by one of the greatest Irish sportspeople of all time to move on because not enough people can ever be as honest and dedicated and driven as Duff.