Damien Duff says that Shelbourne qualifying for Europe is the "great achievement" in the League of Ireland this year, "regardless of silverware won by other clubs".
Shelbourne finished fourth in the Premier Division to qualify for the Europa Conference League. Next summer will be their first venture into European competition since 2006.
"We qualified for Europe. That was the grand plan since we took over two years ago," Duff told ShelbourneFC.ie.
"We went close last year but obviously a step too far with the cup final.
"I think we absolutely deserved to get Europe. People probably wrote us off all year. Without doubt, and nobody will change my mind on it, I think it was the greatest achievement in League of Ireland football last year.
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"Credit to Stephen [Bradley], he's got four-in-a-row, credit to Jon [Daly] coming in, stabilising Pat's and winning them the cup, but the greatest achievement I think certainly goes down to our players and what they did.
"We openly spoke about Europe last year when we were newly promoted and that's what we tried to instil in the lads straight away.
"It's an amazing achievement and probably unheard of, a First Division club coming up and to grow so quickly, maybe I'm biased but I have seen phenomenal growth on and off the pitch at the this club and long may it continue."
3 November 2023; Paddy Barrett of Shelbourne celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Drogheda United and Shelbourne at Weaver's Park in Drogheda, Louth. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Shelbourne's 2024 league campaign gets underway on February 16th when they face Waterford at the RSC.
"When Europe comes around, we'll be trying everything, but first and foremost, the league is the bread and butter," said Duff as Shelbourne confirmed they are on course to break their record for season tickets in 2024, with sales up 61 per centon the same time last year.
"Let's not get carried away with 'I can't wait for Europe'. We might have to bring in some sort of fine if I hear any of the lads talking about it because there's 16, 18, 20 games before Europe. That's a lot to play for. Europe is absolutely on the backburner for me."
3 November 2023; Shelbourne manager Damien Duff with supporters after his side's victory in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Drogheda United and Shelbourne at Weaver's Park in Drogheda, Louth. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Duff described the uncertainty which surrounded the Shelbourne ownership situation this autumn as a "mental time". He added that staff had "sheltered" players from "what was going on in the background".
After holding the club's reins for just five months, Turkish owner Acun Ilicali agreed to depart in November with long time supporter and shareholder Mickey O’Rourke taking over.
"Mickey O'Rourke, what he's done and taken on is unbelievable," said Duff, "and I think myself, the staff, the players and the fans should all be very grateful for what he's done, I reckon he's just stabilised the club and kept the DNA of the club alive and kicking."
