Eileen Gleeson has been confirmed this afternoon 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.
She 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 March 5th, 2024.
The process of recruiting a replacement for Eileen as Head of Women and Girls’ Football is already underway so that the inspiration of what happens at the highest level can be captured and managed to impact on the potential in the sport for hundreds and thousands of players in the future.
“For me, there is nothing greater than being Irish,” said Gleeson.
“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.”
“On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I’d like to congratulate Eileen on becoming our new Head Coach of the Ireland Women’s National Team and we wish her every success,”said newly elected FAI President Paul Cooke.
“We are delighted that Eileen will continue to lead our Ireland Women’s National Team going into the qualifying campaign for EURO 2025,” added CEO Jonathan Hill.
“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.”
“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,” said Marc Canham, Director of Football.
“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.
