THE FOOTBALL Association of Ireland has paid respects to Letterkenny man Brian Duffy, who passed away suddenly on Monday.
Mr Duffy, of Ard O’Donnell in Letterkenny, was the father of Brighton and Republic of Ireland defender Shane.
The FAI has today expressed condolences to Republic of Ireland international Shane Duffy and his family following their sudden loss.
A dedicated supporter of the Ireland team, who travelled all over the world to watch Shane play and always mixed in with Irish fans, Donegal native and Derry resident Brian was incredibly proud of his son’s achievements as a player.
Shane first represented Ireland at Under-19 level before becoming the country’s second most-capped Under-21’s player and then making his senior debut in 2014 and captaining the team against Denmark in November 2019. Brian was part of that journey all of the way.
Senior Ireland team boss Stephen Kenny said: “Our thoughts are with Shane and his family at this very sad time. Brian was very proud of his son, a proud football fan and a huge supporter of the Foyle Harps club in Derry where Shane played his underage football alongside Patrick McEleney and where Paddy McCourt learned the game.
“My own son Eoin played for Harps up to two years ago and I know just how central to the Galliagh community the club is. Brian’s loss will be felt by everyone at Foyle Harps and in Galliagh but none of us can comprehend what Shane and his family are going through now. We can only offer our support and sympathies.”
FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn said: “To lose a father at any time is heartbreaking but to lose Brian at just 53 years of age is such a tragedy for Shane and his family. We can only imagine the pain they are going through now and I am sure I speak for everyone involved with Irish football when I offer our sympathies to Shane and the Duffy family in Derry and in Donegal.”
President of the FAI, Gerry McAnaney added: “On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I offer our condolences to Shane and his family on the loss of Brian at such a young age. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shane, his mum Siobhan, brother Tony, daughter Nicola and the extended Duffy family. May Brian Rest in Peace.”
