Conor Kearns: Damien Duff has made me a better player and person

Conor Kearns is now reaping the rewards for his performances in goal for Shelbourne last season. Literally.

At the annual PFA Ireland awards in Dublin last Saturday, Kearns was named in the Men’s Premier Division team of the year for 2023 while he is also in the running for the goalkeeper of the year gong at the SSE Airtricity/Soccer Writers Ireland ceremony on Friday.

He will face fierce competition from Peamount United’s Niamh Reid Burke and Derry City’s Brian Maher – the only goalkeeper who conceded fewer goals than Kearns in the recent campaign – for that prize but regardless of what happens, it has been a memorable campaign for the Shels shot-stopper.

“Maybe when the season ends you can reflect with an element of pride,” said Kearns, who also helped Shelbourne secure European football in 2024.

But while he’s reflecting with pride on his own displays and the hard work, he has put in to play at such a high level, he is keen to thank his manager, Damien Duff, for the impact he has had on the 25-year-old.

“The manager at the start of this season, he pulled me into the office and said this was the position he wanted me to be in at the end of the season - team of the year and a nominee for this award,” added the Dublin native.

“In terms of the influence he’s had on me he has definitely made me a stronger character. He has pushed me to levels in training that I have not necessarily hit before.

“It's not to speak ill of any other coaches or managers that I have had, he just seems to set this new standard of every single player.

“He has that influence of demanding a really high standard in training. He has been a hugely positive influence on my career as a player, but also as a person he has been very good at managing my