The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed the appointment of Eileen Gleeson as the new Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team.
“Having led the team on an interim basis from September, Eileen oversaw six games in the UEFA Women’s Nations League where Ireland won all six and achieved promotion to League A,” the FAI said in a statement.
“Eileen will now lead the team into the qualifying phase for the 2025 UEFA Women’s European Championships, which kicks off in April following the draw on March 5th, 2024.”
FAI Director of Football, Marc Canham, said: “We are excited that Eileen will become our new full-time Head Coach of the Ireland Women’s National Team. It is an appointment that caps off a truly memorable year for this team.
“When we started the process of recruiting a new Head Coach for the Ireland Women’s National Team, we did not want to rush it but also it was important to have someone in place by end of the year. We spoke with candidates from around the world and we are delighted to confirm Eileen as the outstanding candidate following an extensive interview process where we were pleased that Eileen decided to join the process in October following an excellent start to the UEFA Nations League campaign and discussions around her future.
Preparation for those EURO qualifiers begin with an international camp in February, while Gleeson will spend the coming weeks assembling a coaching and support team, with appointments to be confirmed in the new year.
Gleeson expressed her delight with her appointment as Head Coach on a full-time basis. “For me, there is nothing greater than being Irish. To have the opportunity to lead my country on the highest stage internationally and be entrusted with the responsibility of maximizing the potential of this exciting team and future Ireland players is the proudest and most humbling moment of my life to date.
“Fresh from the experience of working with our fantastic players and staff during our recent UEFA Nations League campaign, and seeing all of our talented young players at underage level, there is huge potential for us to build on and to ensure consistent regular qualification for and progression in major tournaments.
“This is an extremely exciting time for Irish Women’s Football. I am truly honoured and privileged to be involved. A special thanks to the FAI Board, CEO Jonathan Hill and Director of Football Marc Canham for their trust and support,” Gleeson said.
“I look forward to an exciting and busy 2024 on the road to qualification for the UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2025.”
FAI President, Paul Cooke, said: “On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I’d like to congratulate Eileen on becoming our new Head Coach of the Ireland Women’s National Team and we wish her every success.”
FAI CEO, Jonathan Hill, said: “We are delighted that Eileen will continue to lead our Ireland Women’s National Team going into the qualifying campaign for EURO 2025.”
