Dec 12,2024
Eileen Gleeson's reign as Republic of Ireland head coach is over after the FAI confirmed her contract will not be renewed.
The Dubliner departs almost a year to the day since she was made permanent boss, having initially taken over on an interim basis.
The decision was made following an FAI board meeting on Wednesday evening, and the association said the search for her replacement will begin straight away.
Gleeson formerly served as the head of women's and girls' football but she will not be returning to that position, which is currently filled by Hannah Dingley. The Dubliner is likely to sit down with the FAI in the coming days to discuss exactly what role she could fill within the association.
Gleeson guided Ireland to a flawless Nations League campaign after taking the reins following Vera Pauw’s exit in the wake of the 2023 World Cup.
Earlier this year, the Girls in Green lost five of their six games in an extremely tough Euro 2025 qualification group that included England, France and Sweden – three of the top six-ranked countries in the world. However, they were always guaranteed a place in the play-offs thanks to their Nations League showing.
They had no issues in achieving a 9-0 aggregate semi-final win over a poor Georgia side, but the loss in the final to Wales, ranked five places lower than Ireland, was a massive blow.
Having drawn 1-1 in Cardiff, Gleeson’s team were beaten 2-1 in the return leg at Aviva Stadium as their dreams of reaching a first ever European Championships went up in smoke.
Gleeson has paid the ultimate price for that failure.
"On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, we acknowledge the dedication and passion that Eileen has showed in leading the Ireland Women’s National Team over the last 16 months," said FAI CEO David Courell.
"Eileen has long been a terrific ambassador for women & girls’ football in Ireland and she leaves behind a positive impact on our Women’s National Team that included an excellent UEFA Nations League campaign, a memorable win over France in Cork and a run to the Play-Offs for EURO 2025. We thank Eileen for everything that she has done."
FAI Chief Football Officer Marc Canham added: "It is important to recognise the leadership that Eileen brought to our Women’s National Team in topping our League B in the UEFA Nations League, guiding them into the Qualifying Play-Offs for EURO 2025 and continuing to build on the legacy that has developed over recent years."
