5. Paddy Mulligan (1969-1972)

Mulligan was a strong, dependable right-back throughout his long career. He is most known for his successful time with Shamrock Rovers and West Brom but also had a decent spell in London with Chelsea.

The 50-capped Irishman cost the Blues £17,500 and made a substitute appearance in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup against Real Madrid. The Dubliner spent three years in blue, scoring two goals in 71 appearances before moving to Crystal Palace.

Happy Birthday to former Blue Paddy Mulligan who is 74 today #Chelsea pic.twitter.com/e4oHNZSmCf

— Chris Mears (@ChrisMears1) March 17, 2019

4. Tony Cascarino (1992-1994)

Cascarino is a very memorable name in Irish football. He had his best moments in a football shirt while playing for Millwall and much later down the line for Marseille in France.

At the midway point of his career, he joined Chelsea. The Kent-born midfielder scored 8 goals in 45 games for the club. After all this, most Irish people will remember him for the important parts he played in the Boys in Green’s runs in 1988, 1990, and 1994.

Happy Birthday to Hall of Fame recipient Tony Cascarino pic.twitter.com/4hSCHd3VvI

— Ireland Football (@IrelandFootball) September 1, 2019

3. John Dempsey (1969-1978)

Dempsey was a legendary center half for Chelsea throughout the nine years he spent in the clubs. He had many highs, such as winning the FA Cup in 1970 and scoring the opening goals in the previously mentioned UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final victory.

The Hampstead-born defender also stayed with the club during their turbulent spell in the 70s. He qualified for Ireland through his parents and would make 19 appearances, scoring once in six years.

He would also go on the be player-manager for Dundalk before retiring.

Great to have Chelsea legends Marvin Hinton, Ron Harris, Tommy Baldwin, John Dempsey and John Hollins in the house today – all members of our 1970 FA Cup winning squad! #CHEFOR pic.twitter.com/7pzjg1m8C3

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 5, 2020

2. Andy Townsend (1990-1993)

In 1990, Townsend joined Chelsea for the mouth-watering sum of £1,200,000 from Norwich. He was a truly quality player and this did not affect him as he won the club’s Player of the Year award in his debut season.

Unfortunately, the Irish player never had great success with Chelsea and after 14 goals in 120 games, the midfielder moved to Aston Villa for over two million pounds.

His time in the green jersey is more storied after he scored seven goals in 70 appearances over eight years, playing in many of Ireland’s greatest matches.

Happy Birthday to former captain Andy Townsend pic.twitter.com/wLiRM8A4ez

— Ireland Football (@IrelandFootball) July 23, 2021

1. Damien Duff (2003-2006)

Duff is one of Ireland’s most underrated footballers, a master on the wing, playing for some of England’s best teams and being a major part of Ireland’s success in 2002. In his three years at Chelsea, he played alongside Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben, and Frank Lampard.

He scored 19 goals in 125 appearances while wearing blue in London winning a Premier League title and a League Cup trophy. This made him a must-have for Ireland as he made a century of caps and scored eight goals.

At the peak of his career, Damien was famous on popular betting websites in Ireland and still remains the people’s favourite as a current manager of League of Ireland club Shelbourne F.C.

Loved the Arjen Robben & Damien Duff partnership!!!! pic.twitter.com/Yu3NHq8SaF

— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) July 15, 2021

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This will be the first senior head coaching role for the ex-Fulham and Chelsea winger. Duff previously worked as an assistant for Scottish club Celtic and the Republic of Ireland national team.

Shelbourne secured an instant return to the Irish top flight in this year’s First Division. This was after being relegated from the SSE Airtricity League in 2020.

They finished top of the table with 57 points after 27 matches. Galway United, UCD, Treaty United, and Bray Wanderers will now compete in the play-offs for the remaining promotion place.

Speaking on the appointment, Damien Duff said:

“I’m delighted to take up the manager’s position at Shelbourne.

“Having coached and managed our U17 National league team and been around the club, I can see the plans and ambition in place here and am excited to begin a new chapter of Shelbourne’s 126-year history.

“I’m extremely passionate about youth development in Ireland and about Irish football in general and see this as a great opportunity to help build something that both the club, its fans, and myself can be proud of.

“With the club now in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, and the foundations being put in place by the board and its directors, I can’t wait to start.”

Most recently he managed Shelbourne’s Under-17 side this year. This was after he spent nine months part of Stephen Kenny’s backroom team with the Boys in Green.

All the best to Damien Duff on his first managerial role at Shelbourne FC.

The Irishman was very well liked in the Celtic dressing room before leaving and was a conduit between the players and the manager at the time Neil Lennon.

One of football’s good guys. pic.twitter.com/S8H55wZcF3

— Craig (@CraigCelt) November 3, 2021

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