Eileen Gleeson's time as Ireland women's boss over as FAI opt against new deal

The process to appoint a successor to Gleeson will begin immediately.

Eileen Gleeson. Picture: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy

The FAI has confirmed that Eileen Gleeson's time as head coach of the Irish women's team has come to an end. Ireland missed out on qualification for Euro 2025 following defeat to Wales in a play-off earlier this month. 

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, the FAI said: "At a meeting of the Football Association of Ireland Board and following a review, a decision was taken not to offer a new contract to Eileen Gleeson to continue as head coach of the Ireland women’s national team."

The process of appointing Gleeson's successor will begin immediately.

Gleeson was initially appointed on an interim basis in August 2023 before taking up the role on a full-time basis last December. 

“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 and 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.”