Colin O’Brien to leave role as Ireland Under-17 head coach as FAI continue staff cuts

BIG LOSS: Republic of Ireland head coach Colin O'Brien at Dublin Airport on their arrival home from the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Colin O’Brien is set to leave his role as Republic of Ireland Under-17 head coach as the FAI continue to make cuts to its staff.

The development comes just a matter of weeks after O’Brien guided Ireland to the last-16 of the U17 World Cup – their first ever finals at this level - in Qatar where after winning their group and overcoming Canada on penalties, they were ultimately beaten by a talented Switzerland side.

O’Brien had been told he would need to reapply for the role if he would like to continue with significant changes made to the contract.

The Cork native was one of 100 staff members emailed with regards to doubts over their positions although he received his on the day he was travelling with the Irish squad to Doha for the World Cup.

Instead, the Cork native has opted for voluntary redundancy.

During his time in charge, the former Cork City midfielder also led Ireland to the quarter-finals of the European Championships in 2017, 2018 and 2023.

Also leaving the FAI, as previously reported by the Irish Examiner, are Men’s Under-19 manager Tom Mohan, and Women’s Under-19 Dave Connell but it is believed Jason Donohue, who has had stints with the Men’s Under-15s and Under-16s, is also departing.