The FAI has secured the long-term future of the Ireland Men’s National Team coaching staff, with John O’Shea, Paddy McCarthy and Gudmundur Hreidarsson extending their contracts through to the conclusion of UEFA EURO 2028.
The new agreements follow the contract extension signed earlier this year by Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson and mean the full senior coaching team is now committed for the next two years.
It provides an important element of stability for the national team as Ireland prepares for the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League and builds towards EURO 2028, when Dublin will be among the host cities for the tournament, which will be staged across Ireland and the UK.
O’Shea will continue as Assistant Head Coach, with McCarthy remaining as Assistant Coach and Hreidarsson as Goalkeeping Coach.
O’Shea and McCarthy have provided continuity within the set-up since working together during O’Shea’s spell as Interim Head Coach before Hallgrímsson’s appointment.
McCarthy will continue to combine his international responsibilities with his coaching role at Crystal Palace, joining the Ireland squad during international windows.
“I am honoured to extend my time with the national team,” said O’Shea.
“Having been involved with this group for several years, I have seen the immense progression and potential within the squad firsthand. It is an incredibly exciting time for Irish football, and I am fully focused on helping lead this team toward a major tournament on home soil at UEFA EURO 2028.”
Hallgrímsson said that securing the coaching group was an important part of the team’s longer-term development.
“Since I arrived, John, Paddy, and Gummi have been an incredible support to me and integral to everything we are building here,” he said.
“Their knowledge of the players and the Irish game is invaluable. I am delighted that we will continue to work together to drive this team forward and achieve the results our fans deserve.”
FAI Director of Football John Martin highlighted the importance of stability in giving the playing squad the strongest platform for the coming campaigns.
“We are pleased to have our full coaching staff committed until the end of the UEFA EURO 2028 cycle,” he said.
“Stability is vital for the development of the squad, and we have been impressed by the working dynamic between Heimir, John, Paddy and Gudmundur.”
The immediate focus will now turn to the resumption of competitive international football next month, but the contracts also provide a clear line of sight towards what could become the most significant period for the men’s national team in more than a decade.
EURO 2028 offers the prospect of tournament football on home soil, and the FAI has now ensured that the coaching group charged with getting Ireland there will have the full cycle in which to work.
The FAI and Sky Ireland are full members of Sport for Business. Sky Ireland are partners of our Football coverage.
If you would like to be part of the Sport for Business community and see your organisation in our content, on our stages, and in the conversation happening every day around the commercial world of Irish Sport, email us today and let’s see what is possible.
Image Credit: FAI
ABOUT SPORT FOR BUSINESS
Sport for Business is Ireland’s leading platform focused on the commercial, strategic and societal impact of sport. It connects decision-makers across governing bodies, clubs, brands, agencies, and public institutions through high-quality content, events, and insights.
Sport for Business explores how sport drives economic value, participation, inclusion and national identity, and how your story can be part of ours.
Through analysis, storytelling and convening the sector, it helps leaders understand trends, share best practices, and make better-informed decisions. It positions sport not just as entertainment but as a vital contributor to Ireland’s social and economic fabric.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our Daily Sport for Business Snapshot email bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
