Eileen Gleeson will not be offered a new contract to continue as manager of the Ireland women’s national team, the FAI have announced.
At a meeting of the FAI board and following a review, the organisation said the decision was made to let Gleeson go from her role after the end of her contract.
Initially appointed on an interim basis in August 2023, Eileen led the team to promotion to League A in the UEFA Nations League before being confirmed as head coach on a full-time basis in December last year.
They finished bottom of their group in the Nations League A, although recorded a famous 3-1 victory over France in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Ultimately, the defeat against Wales in the Euro 2025 playoff may have cost her the job, as they were beaten 3-2 on aggregate over two legs, missing out on the championships.
FAI CEO David Courell said: “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. 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.”
The process to recruit a new head coach will begin immediately, the FAI said.
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