Alan Mahon resigns as Ireland assistant for 'personal reasons'

Mahon was named assistant to Carla Ward when she took over as Ireland head coach in January

Alan Mahon: "I've taken the difficult decision to step down from my role with the team due to personal reasons." Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Alan Mahon has stepped down from his role as assistant head coach with the Irish women's football team for "personal reasons". The FAI said the process of appointing a replacement is underway. 

Mahon was named assistant to head coach Carla Ward in January and was part of her backroom team for 10 games. 

"I'm a really proud Irishman and I've been incredibly fortunate to represent my country as a player and as a coach," said Mahon, who won two caps for Ireland.

"It has been an amazing experience being involved with the Ireland women's national team with memories and friendships forged that I will hold dearly for the rest of my life.

"I'd like to thank Carla (Ward) and the FAI for giving me the opportunity to take on the role, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Also, I owe a debt of gratitude to all of the players and staff who were brilliant to work with.

"I've taken the difficult decision to step down from my role with the team due to personal reasons and would like to wish everyone involved the very best of luck. I've no doubt that this squad has the potential to achieve World Cup qualification and I will be cheering them on in every game."

Mahon was previously a coach with the Manchester City Women's Super League team. 

“Alan was a pleasure to work with," said Ward, "and on behalf of everyone connected with the Ireland women’s national team I’d like to acknowledge and thank him for the important work that he did in helping us to secure promotion to League A in the UEFA Nations League."