Tributes pour in following death of Shane Duffy's father, Brian.

The FAI has expressed condolences to the family of Republic of Ireland international Shane Duffy after his father passed away.

Brian Duffy was well known amongst Irish supporters and was regularly seen following the team at away fixtures with his father making it known how proud he was of Shane’s achievements in the Irish shirt.

The Brighton defender, via his Instagram page, expressed his grief: “U weren’t just my dad u we’re my hero my idol. I’ll miss ringing u after the match.”

New Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny was amongst those leading the tributes this morning.

“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.”

Meanwhile FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn noted how Brian Duffy was only 53 years of age and expressed Irish football’s sympathies to Shane and his family.

“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.”

 

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