The FA of Ireland has confirmed that Eileen Gleeson has been appointed as the new Head Coach of the Ireland Women’s National Team.
Having led the team on an interim basis from September, she oversaw six games in the UEFA Women’s Nations League where Ireland won all six and achieved promotion to League A.
Gleeson 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 5 March 2024.
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.
Eileen 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 maximising 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.
I look forward to an exciting and busy 2024 on the road to qualification for the UEFA Women’s European Championships in 2025.”
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.
“This is a special team that has made history. With Eileen, we are confident that we can continue on our journey with qualification to a first ever European Championships. We will ensure that Eileen gets the full support of the Association to achieve that aim.
“We have also begun the process of recruiting a replacement for Eileen as Head of Women and Girls’ Football.”
FAI Director of Football, Marc Canham, said: “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.
“We have seen how effective Eileen can be in the role – not just in the results achieved and the football played but in creating a positive, inclusive and high performing environment that brings the best out of everyone. I am also looking forward working with Eileen to support the development of young female players and working closely with our development teams to create a consistent and aligned approach through the Pathway.”
