Republic of Ireland: Manager Eileen Gleeson to leave role after 16 months in charge

Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson will not be offered a new contract by the Football Association of Ireland after the side failed to qualify for Euro 2025.

Initially appointed on an interim basis in August 2023 to replace Vera Pauw, the former Peamount United manager was made permanent boss in December of last year but defeat to Wales in last week’s play-off second leg saw her side miss out on a place in Switzerland this summer.

Drawn against three of the game’s heavyweights in England, Sweden, and France, Republic of Ireland finished bottom of their 2024 Nations League group, although did enjoy a memorable win over the latter in Cork.

Their status as a League A side, however, still meant they were guaranteed a play-off place and they eased past Georgia 9-0 on aggregate to set up that two-legged tie with Wales.

After a 1-1 draw in Cardiff, a 2-1 defeat in the deciding leg at the Aviva Stadium marked both a failure to make it to successive major tournaments after last year’s World Cup and the end of Gleeson’s current contract.

She avoided discussing her future in the aftermath of the loss but, after a meeting of the FAI board and following a review, it was decided not to offer a new deal.

FAI chief football officer Marc Canham said: “It is important to recognise the leadership that Eileen brought to our women’s national team in topping our League B in the UEFA Nations League, guiding them into the qualifying play-offs for Euro 2025 and continuing to build on the legacy that has developed over recent years.”

The FAI have said the search for Gleeson’s successor will begin “immediately”.