Derry's Michael Duffy: A scorer of some memorable goals

Ever since a 19-year-old Michael Duffy scored the winning goal against Shelbourne at Tolka Park back in June, 2013, he has wowed not just Derry City fans, but League of Ireland fans with some amazing goals.

His latest, the free-kick against Bohemians at the Brandywell last week, was just another addition to a growing collection of wonder goals, and there is no signs of the now 30-year-old slowing down, as he starts the new season in flying form.

Today, we look back at some of Duffy’s greatest goals wearing the red and white of Derry City.

1- May 23, 2014 ... Derry City 2-0 Drogheda United

Duffy helped Peter Hutton celebrate his first win as Derry City's new manager with a brilliant finish in a home victory over Drogheda.

Duffy got on the end of a deep cross from Barry McNamee, arriving late at the back post to volley the ball on his weaker left-foot into the net.

2- June 27, 2014 ... Derry City 2-2 Dundalk

Duffy scored a goal of the month contender against title hopefuls Dundalk in a thrilling game at the Brandywell when his 30-yard drive gave Peter Cherrie no chance as the ball flew high into the keeper’s top left-hand corner. It put Derry 2-1 ahead after Barry McNamee’s earlier equaliser.

3- October 7, 2014 ... Derry City 2-0 Shamrock Rovers

This FAI Cup semi-final replay was headed to extra-time when Michael Duffy produced the biggest moment of his career, going through to flick the ball past goalkeeper Brian Murphy with just two minutes left to play.

4- September 9, 2022 ... Derry City 1-0 Bohemians

Arguably the best goal of his Derry City career, Duffy’s strike against Bohemians at the Brandywell two and a half years ago was absolutely incredible. Duffy’s initial corner came to Shane McEleney whose cross eluded everyone, but came back to the winger, who lashed an unbelievable effort back from the corner of the penalty area, over the goalkeeper and into the net to wow everyone in attendance at the Brandywell.

5- August 3, 2023 ... KuPS 3-3 Derry City

An incredible Europa Conference League tie was still in the balance with Derry City toed 5-4 on aggregate with Finnish side KuPS away from home. Duffy not renowned for his heading ability, got on the end of a cross from Sadou Diallo to send a bullet header right across goal and into the corner of the net to seal a famous European away win for the Candystripes.

Michael Duffy has scored some memorable goals for Derry City. (Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile)

6- June 3, 2024 ... Derry City 3-0 Waterford

The Candystripes picked up their first win in four league games with Duffy helping them on their way with an emphatic opening goal, his first for the club against the Blues. Ben Doherty was sent away down the left, and when he cut inside he picked out his team mate, who rifled an unstoppable left-footed effort high into the top corner to make it 1-0.

7- October 4, 2024 ... Bohemians 0-2 Derry City

This FAI Cup semi-final was lit up by a superb brace from Michael Duffy, the first of which was another incredible goal from a special plater.

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Duffy stood over a free-kick awarded to his team on the left side of the penalty area, and to everyone’s surprise he whipped an unerring effort over everyone, including Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot and into the top corner.

8- February 21, 2025 ... Derry City 1-0 Bohemians

With Will Patching no longer at the club, the free-kick responsibilities have fallen mainly onto Duffy’s shoulders and last week’s winner against Bohemians (again!) was another classic finish. From 30 yards out, Duffy curled the ball over the wall and beyond the dive of James Talbot.