Eileen Gleeson appointed as permanent head coach of ROI Women's team

Eileen Gleeson has been made the permanent head coach of the Republic of Ireland women's football team.

She took over in an interim role following Vera Pauw’s departure after the end of last summer’s World Cup.

Gleeson was in charge for Ireland’s first ever UEFA Nations League campaign, during which the team won every single one of their six games – with a historic 3-0 victory over Northern Ireland in front of a record-breaking crowd at the Aviva Stadium amongst the highlights.

The recently appointed head coach had previously sated that she had no interest in staying on board after the Nations League fixtures, seeking a return to her job as the FAI’s head of women’s football.

 

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"For me, there is nothing greater than being Irish," said Gleeson (RTÉ).

"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."