The FAI has announced a new full-time international coaching structure designed to strengthen player development and provide greater support across the national underage pathway from Under-15 to Under-19 level.
The new model moves away from the traditional age-group approach and introduces a more integrated system featuring five International Lead Coaches and four International Coaches working collaboratively across development phases. The FAI believes the structure will create greater consistency, alignment and continuity for young players progressing through the international pathway.
The five International Lead Coaches are Noel Hunt, Chelsea Noonan, John Cotter, Keith O’Halloran and James Scott. They will work alongside International Coaches Conor McCormack, Graham Gartland, Mark Connors and Richie Smith. Four of the appointments – Hunt, Noonan, McCormack and Gartland – are new additions, while the remaining coaches progressed through an internal recruitment process.
Former Republic of Ireland international Noel Hunt joins the set-up after a coaching career that has included roles with Swindon Town, Waterford and Reading, where he managed more than 50 games in League One. Hunt is also currently undertaking the FAI UEFA Pro Licence course.
Noonan brings extensive experience from the women’s game, having recently helped Birmingham City secure promotion to the Women’s Super League as Assistant Head Coach. A former Ireland underage international, she has previously worked with Ireland Women’s Under-17 teams and coached in Australia with Western United. She is also currently enrolled on the FAI UEFA Pro Licence programme.
Among the other appointments, former League of Ireland midfielder Conor McCormack joins after a playing career spanning more than 400 games, while former Ireland B international Graham Gartland brings experience from both League of Ireland and Scottish Premiership coaching environments.
The existing international coaching group includes highly experienced figures such as John Cotter, who was part of the Ireland Men’s Under-17 coaching staff at the 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Keith O’Halloran, who helped guide Ireland Women’s Under-19s at the 2024 UEFA Women’s Under-19 Championship, and James Scott, who has led Ireland Women’s Under-17s since 2019. Mark Connors and Richie Smith complete the coaching team, bringing strong backgrounds in player development and League of Ireland academy football.
FAI Technical Director Shane Robinson described the initiative as a significant development for Irish football’s player pathway.
“The introduction of the new coaching structure is an important step forward for our international pathway and reflects the direction we want to take as an Association,” he said.
“We wanted to build a full-time coaching structure that is more connected, collaborative and aligned across the pathway.
“There is strong experience within this group of coaches who have worked across international football, League of Ireland, academy environments, grassroots, development programmes and abroad in a number of different football settings. Importantly, they all share a passion for developing young players and helping drive standards for the betterment of Irish football.”
FAI Director of Football John Martin said the changes are designed to create a more seamless experience for players as they move through the international ranks.
“This new coaching structure is about creating greater alignment, consistency and connection across our international pathway,” Martin said.
“We want our young players to experience a clear identity and level of support throughout their journey with our national teams, regardless of the age group.
“Through these appointments, we’ve brought together coaches with strong experience across the game and we believe this structure will create a stronger environment for both players and staff as we continue to strengthen the pathway.”
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