The decision comes following a meeting of the Football Association of Ireland Board and following a review.

Gleeson was initially appointed on an interim basis in August 2023, and led the team to promotion to League A in the UEFA Nations League before being confirmed as Head Coach on a full-time basis in December 2023.

Win over France a highlight

For the 2025 UEFA European Championships qualification campaign, a brilliant 3-1 win over France in Páirc Uí Chaoimh saw the side record their best ever result. The Women’s National Team went on to reach Round 2 of the Qualifying Play-Offs, where they narrowly lost to Cymru over two legs.

‘A terrific ambassador for women and girls’ football’

FAI CEO David Courell said: “On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, we acknowledge the dedication and passion that Eileen has showed in leading the Ireland Women’s National Team over the last 16 months. Eileen has long been a terrific ambassador for women and girls’ football in Ireland and she leaves behind a positive impact on our Women’s National Team that included an excellent UEFA Nations League campaign, a memorable win over France in Cork and a run to the Play-Offs for EURO 2025. We thank Eileen for everything that she has done.”

The FAI has stated that the process to recruit a new Head Coach will begin immediately.

The post FAI will not renew Eileen Gleeson’s contract appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ireland will play Greece on Friday, June 16, in Athens and Gibraltar on Monday, June 19, at the Aviva Stadium as part of their UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying campaign which began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to France in March.

Kenny has named a 22-man squad comprised of players from the EFL and the League of Ireland for the training camp at Bristol City’s training ground to begin preparations for those two qualifiers in June.

Tom Cannon, who enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Preston North End from Everton, has been called into the training camp as well as Shamrock Rovers winger Neil Farrugia, Hull City defender Seán McLoughlin, Millwall defender Danny McNamara and goalkeepers James Talbot & Brian Maher, from Bohemians and Derry City respectively.

Jeff Hendrick and Alan Browne will miss the four-day training camp as they recover from injury but are expected to be in contention for the Greece and Gibraltar matches in June.

Chiedozie Ogbene will report for the camp to continue his assessment and rehabilitation from a hamstring injury whilst Andrew Omobamidele, Callum Robinson and Seamus Coleman have all been ruled out of the upcoming qualifiers through injury.

Middlesbrough defender Darragh Lenihan and Peterborough United midfielder Jack Taylor will not be involved with the training camp due to their club’s participation in the EFL play-offs.

All Premier League players remain in action for their clubs as well as Mikey Johnston at Vitoria de Guimaraes, Jamie McGrath at Dundee United and Matt Doherty at Atlético Madrid who continue their domestic seasons

“The six-week break between the end of the Championship and our qualifier in Greece is something we have to navigate and make sure our preparations are planned well,” said Stephen Kenny.

“This training camp in Bristol for four days is essential before we travel to Turkey on June 5th for nine days ahead of our visit to Athens and we’re looking forward to a good four days training and some sharp sessions.”

Ireland Squad – Bristol Training Camp

Squad: Max O’Leary (Bristol City), James Talbot (Bohemians), Brian Maher (Derry City); Danny McNamara (Millwall), Callum O’Dowda (Cardiff City), James McClean (Wigan Athletic), Ryan Manning (Swansea City), John Egan (Sheffield United), Dara O’Shea (West Bromwich Albion), Sean McLaughlin (Hull City); Jayson Molumby (West Bromwich Albion), Josh Cullen (Burnley), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Mark Sykes (Bristol City), Neil Farrugia (Shamrock Rovers), Jason Knight (Derby County); Chiedozie Ogbene (Rotherham United), Tom Cannon (Everton), Troy Parrott (Tottenham Hotspur), Michael Obafemi (Burnley), Adam Idah (Norwich City), Will Keane (Wigan Athletic).

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Vera Pauw’s side climbed one place up to 26th, which means they are now in the top 16 European teams.

Since Pauw took charge in 2019 the team has moved up six places overall. The Irish manager feels that they can go even higher as the team seeks qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“It is fantastic to see the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team rise up to their highest ever position in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings because this is a reflection of the tremendous work that the players and staff have put in over the years.

“We have been growing together and improving with each game, so while this achievement is brilliant it is only one part of our journey that continues with two hugely important FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers at home to Finland and away to Slovakia in September.

“Everything that we achieve is as a team and that includes our amazing fans, our sponsors and everyone at the FAI. We will continue to work hard to keep climbing those rankings as we aim to qualify for next summer’s World Cup.”

Ireland will take on Finland on Thursday, September 1st in Tallaght Stadium before Travelling to face Slovakia in Senec on Thursday, September 6th.

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Two games in March

Stephen Kenny’s men will play the Belgians at the Aviva Stadium on  Saturday, 26 March 2022, with a 5pm kick-off.

The Irish side will play Lithuania the following Tuesday, 29 March 2022, with a 7.45 pm kick-off.

These opening fixtures of the 2022 international season will be preparation for the UEFA Nations League campaign when Ukraine and Scotland will visit Dublin in June.

These opening fixtures of the 2022 international season will be preparation for the UEFA Nations League campaign when Ukraine and Scotland will visit Dublin in June. And you want to place a bet on who will win those games, check out these amazing UK betting sites.

Tickets

Ticketing details for the Belgium and Lithuania games will be announced by the FAI later this month. The two fixtures are included in the FAI Season Ticket for 2022 which will opens for season ticket renewals only on Tuesday, February 1st. The public sale of new season tickets will commence on Monday, February 21st.

Looking ahead to the two March fixtures, FAI Chief Executive Jonathan Hill said:

“The Centenary of the FAI demands a very special opponent to celebrate the rich history of Irish teams on the international stage and what better opponents than the top ranked team in the world. Belgium have set the standards for developing young players in recent years and we are really excited by the visit of Roberto Martinez’s team. We also look forward to welcoming Lithuania to Dublin for the second of our games in March.”

The post Republic of Ireland to play Belgium and Lithuania in March appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Forrester scored the Super Saint’s only goal of the game in extra time – a spectacular solo goal towards the end of the first half of the extra 30 minutes.

The goalscorer also slotted his penalty past Bohemians goalkeeper James Talbot as his side won on penalties following Bohs’ equaliser on the other side of the break in extra time.

Chris Forrester said after signing his deal: “I am delighted to be back at the club and thankful for another opportunity to play for a club that means so much to me. I can’t wait to get going again next season”

Forrester is currently in his second spell with the Athletic, returning to the side in 2019 after spending time abroad with Peterborough United and Aberdeen.

The 28-year-old had initially joined the Inchicore side from Bohs after working his way up the ranks at Dalymount Park.

He now commits his future to the Saints, whom he has come to be revered by for his performances.

Club Chairman Garrett Kelleher said: “Chris has had a great season with the club and is thoroughly deserving of his nomination for PFAI Player of the Season, he will continue to be an integral part of the club over the next few years.

“On behalf of the board and myself we are excited about what the future holds for the club with personalities like Chris here.”

The post Chris Forrester signs long-term deal with St Pats after Cup win appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Walsh received international clearance from FIFA to become eligible for selection by Ireland manager Vera Pauw as she had represented England at Under-17, U-19 & U-23 level.

The 27-year-old also represented Great Britain at the 2017 Summer Universiade but has yet to earn a senior international cap.

The Brighton & Hove Albion stopper – who holds the Women’s Super League record for most saves – qualifies for Ireland through her Wexford-born Grandfather, William Walsh, and finally got the green light.

“It is a real honour and privilege to be called up into the Ireland squad. I was with Rianna Jarrett, Denise O’Sullivan and Megan Connolly at Brighton last year when my Irish heritage came up and things went from there,” said Walsh.

“It has taken about 12 months to finally get here. I am excited at the opportunity to be part of the Irish Women’s Team and to work with Vera.

“My Grandparents, on my Dad’s side, were from Enniscorthy, County Wexford, where we still have family.

“I know they would be so proud of me being part of the Women’s National Team.”

Walsh reported into Ireland camp following Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Reading, where fellow Ireland goalkeeper Grace Moloney kept a clean sheet.

“I realise I will have to fight hard for a place on the team but that’s always the case in elite football and I have had to do that wherever I have been in football,” said Walsh.

“The main thing is to qualify for the World Cup and I know all the squad will want to make sure we get out of the Group.”

Shelbourne midfielder Jess Ziu has also been added to the squad alongside 16-year-old clubmate Jessie Stapleton, Celtic’s Isibeal Atkinson and Birmingham City forward Emily Whelan.

Injuries rule out Glasgow City’s Claire Walsh, Wexford Youths midfielder Ellen Molloy and Liverpool forward Leanne Kiernan.

The squad will train at the FAI National Training Centre on Monday afternoon ahead of taking on Slovakia on Thursday, November 25th and then Georgia on Tuesday, November 30th – both at Tallaght Stadium.

Republic of Ireland squad for Slovakia and Georgia

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (North Carolina Courage), Jessie Stapleton (Shelbourne), Savannah McCarthy (Galway WFC), Éabha O’Mahony (Boston College), Áine O’Gorman (Peamount United)
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Niamh Farrelly (Glasgow City), Ciara Grant (Shelbourne), Aoibheann Clancy (Wexford Youths), Roma McLaughlin (Central Connecticut State University), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne)
Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Kyra Carusa (HB Koge), Emily Whelan (Birmingham City) Isibeal Atkinson (Celtic), Saoirse Noonan (Shelbourne), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)

Fixtures

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Round – Group A
Republic of Ireland v Slovakia
Thursday, November 25th
Tallaght Stadium
KO 19:00
LIVE on RTÉ2
#IRLSVK

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Round – Group A
Republic of Ireland v Georgia
Tuesday, November 30th
Tallaght Stadium
KO 19:00
LIVE on RTÉ2
#IRLGEO

The post Brighton keeper Megan Walsh joins Ireland WNT squad appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Shane Duffy, Chiedozie Ogbene and Callum Robinson got the goals at the Stade Du Luxembourg as Ireland banished the demons of the reverse fixture.

A cameo from Derby County star Jason Knight proved to be one for the history books as he was involved in all three goals, winning the free-kick that led to the opener and assisting the second and third.

The team had failed to qualify for next year’s winter-scheduled tournament in Qatar after poor results in their first half of fixtures but a strong second half of the campaign has underlined the growth the side has seen under Stephen Kenny.

The game provided a metaphor for the eight games (ten counting the friendlies with Qatar) as Ireland produced a patchy performance in their campaign closer, especially in the first half.

The boys in Orange, for the first time since a 0-0 draw against Mexico in May 1998 (and the first time in a competitive fixture since Macedonia…), took a while to get going while Luxembourg enjoyed their best period in the first 45 minutes.

The highlight of the first-half was an unbelievable save from Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who gets better and better with each game.

What a save from Bazunu. Thill's shot took a deflection but the Irish keeper reacted brilliantly and tipped it wide for a corner.#LUXIRL #rtesoccer
https://t.co/tuL8bEWhuT
https://t.co/mcphJPwdgQ
https://t.co/Vyy8I2aIt8 pic.twitter.com/iQBqnNfVxC

— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 14, 2021

Stephen Kenny’s men grew into the game after Bazunu’s reflexes were flexed and Ogbene and John Egan came closest to putting them ahead but they had to go back into their dressing room without a goal to their name.

Luxembourg had the ball in the Irish net after a strong start to the second half but winger Danel Sinani was denied the opportunity to put his side in the lead – the referee brought play back for a foul.

The fateful introduction of Jason Knight came 62 minutes into the match and five minutes later Ireland had scored – Shane Duffy nodded home a set-piece won by Knight after being fouled by Sinani.

Ogbene dinked a second effort home after a beautiful period of play from the Irish that saw midfielders Jeff Hendrick and Knight combine to skewer the Luxembourg defence.

The game was wrapped up with two minutes of normal time to go when Callum Robinson tapped the ball in after a fantastic cross by James McClean was tapped back into space by Knight.

The victory made it Kenny and co.’s second of the campaign (third counting the Qatar friendles), seeing them finish three points above Luxembourg in third after eight in their last four games.

The match was the final one before Kenny’s current contract runs out and makes for an emphatic case for a renewal, which many fans are in favour of after the national team’s progression in the year.

The post Republic of Ireland end qualifying campaign on a high appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Best young Irish footballers waiting for their senior international cap

6. Tyreik Samuel Wright

Salford City (on loan) – Right-Wing – 20-years-old

This is Wright’s first full year as part of the senior set-up of a professional club. The winger was born in Ovens, County Cork and made his name at Lakewood FC before moving into Aston Villa’s youth system.

Last season he spent six months at Walsall making 16 league appearances. This year in League Two, Wright has made four starts, scoring his first senior goal. Still a young man, he has gotten seven caps with the Irish U21 team and has scored a goal.

5. Zachary Elbouzedi

AIK – Right Midfield – 23-years-old

Elbouzedi has been a name on many Irish fans tongues for the last few years. The Dublin man began his youth career at West Bromwich Albion but after not breaking into the side he started travelling between Scotland, England and Ireland. Now he finds himself playing for AIK in Sweden. So far he has made 17 appearances since July scoring one remarkable goal.

The midfielder is still yet to get a senior cap even though he has for every one of Ireland’s underage teams from U15s to U21s. Still only 23 years old, his day could still come.

What a goal by Elbouzedi pic.twitter.com/in0U1FlxAn

— Rep of Ireland Player Tracker (@RepTracker) November 7, 2021

4. Joshua Kayode

Rotherham United – Centre Forward – 20-years-old

Stephen Kenny has found great success in finding young Irish talents in Rotherham this year. Kayode could soon join his compatriot Chiedozie Ogbene in pulling on the green jersey. Born in Lagos, Nigeria he has represented the Ireland U21s team since October 2020. He even scored on his first full debut for the team away against Luxembourg last year.

He scored eight goals last year on loan at Carlisle United last season which has led to him playing six games already for his parent club Rotherham.

3. Liam Scales

Celtic FC – Left Wing Back – 23-years-old

This is one of the most likely people on this list to get the call-up. Scales has been playing very well for Celtic since moving from Shamrock Rovers this summer. He was called up for Ireland’s last set of qualifiers but was unlucky not to make it onto the pitch.

Although he is not featured in the squad for the upcoming matches, if his form continues to go up then we could see him in the squad soon.

5⃣ Congrats on your #CelticFC debut, Liam Scales! #PremierSportsCup | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/QDh25Ztppm

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 23, 2021

2. Conor Coventry

Peterborough (on loan) – Centre Midfield – 21-years-old

Coventry is another English born player that has found a chance in the Irish set-up through his mother. He first joined Ireland’s U17s team and was recently part of Stephen Kenny’s U21 team before Kenny took the senior job.

He is presently on a season-long loan from parent club West Ham in the Championship with Peterborough. He has made eight appearances in the league and showed his strength as a defensive option for the club.

special night for the academy! Congrats to Grady, @conorcoventry & @JoePowell_10 on there debuts.. fully deserved #COYI pic.twitter.com/55nHaclgmK

— Declan Rice (@_DeclanRice) September 26, 2018

1. Gavin Kilkenny

AFC Bournemouth – Centre Midfield – 21-years-old

It is a surprise that Kenny did not call up Kilkenny for this set of games. For a young player, he has shown great composure and strength on the ball for a Championship-topping Bournemouth side. He has made 11 starts for the club already this year making Scott Parker’s side proud as one of their homegrown talents.

Surely a call-up will be coming soon for the young man as he continues to hear stories about international duty from his teammates Robbie Brady and Mark Travers.

Gavin Kilkenny (21) was absolutely pinging them for Bournemouth yesterday #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/YvKviZFWaP

— Kenny's Kids (@KennysKids) October 17, 2021

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Ireland and international club football news, click here.

The post Best young Irish football players yet to get their first senior cap appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

This decision by the FAI is in light of a number of Dublin referees withdrawing their services for this weekend’s games. These officials felt that there was little to no support for them during underage soccer matches.

The referees confirmed on Monday that they will not officiate at the upcoming matches in the North Dublin Schoolboys/Girls League and Metropolitan Girls League.

The FAI has previously completed programs to impact the abuse problem in local Irish leagues.

Refereeing is a tough job as they must be impartial while they deal with opinions from players. This problem has grown worse with parents and supporters expressing this disdain during and after matches.

FAI Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Hill said:

“I can assure affiliates across the country that the FAI will do whatever is needed to ensure the protection of all our referees – without them, we have no game, plain and simple.

“The small minority of players, coaches, officials, and all others guilty of such abuse need to understand that. They must know that Irish football and the FAI will do whatever we have to do to ensure a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse of any match official.

“Our disciplinary regulations carry clear and serious sanctions to be enforced on anyone who abuses a match official and we are calling on all Leagues to enforce those sanctions. We cannot and will not tolerate any abuse aimed at a referee at any level of the game.”

To read more from this writer, click here.

And to read more in-depth and up-to-date Ireland and international club football news, click here.

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West Ham United’s Armstrong Oko-Flex receives a first call-up to the U21s while Southampton’s Will Smallbone and Derby County’s Festy Ebosele also return to the squad following injury.

Ireland take on Italy at Tallaght Stadium on Friday, November 12 before hosting Sweden four days later on Tuesday, November 16.

Ireland’s two opponents occupy the top two spots of Group F while Crawford and co.sit in fourth behind them and Montenegro.

The Republic of Ireland are hoping to bounce back from their loss to the Balkan nation in Podgorica and keep themselves in contention for a spot at 2023’s UEFA European U-21 Championship in Romania and Georgia.

Both matches will be shown live on RTÉ 2.

Tickets to both European Championship qualifiers are now on sale with admission for both games available for €15 for adults, €8 for children and €30 for a family ticket (two adults and two children) – Ticketmaster service charges apply.

Goalkeepers: Brian Maher (Bray Wanderers), David Odumosu (Drogheda United), Luke McNicholas (Cliftonville, on loan from Sligo Rovers)

Defenders:  Joel Bagan (Cardiff City), Festy Ebosele (Derby County), Andy Lyons (Bohemians) Oisin McEntee (Greenock Morton, on loan from Newcastle United), Mark McGuinness (Cardiff City), Jake O’Brien (Crystal Palace), Lee O’Connor (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Celtic)

Midfielders: Conor Coventry (Peterborough United, on loan from West Ham United) Dawson Devoy (Bohemians), Ryan Johansson (Fortuna Sittard, on loan from Seville), Gavin Kilkenny (Bournemouth), Ollie O’Neill (Fulham), Conor Noss (Borussia Möchengladbach), Will Smallbone (Southampton), Ross Tierney (Bohemians)

Forwards: Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion), Will Ferry (Crawley Town, on loan from Southampton), Joshua ‘JJ’ Kayode (Rotherham United), Liam Kerrigan (UCD), Armstrong Oko-Flex (West Ham United), Colm Whelan (UCD), Tyreik Wright (Salford City, on loan from Aston Villa)

UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifiers – Group F

2022 UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifier
Republic of Ireland v Italy
Friday, November 12
Tallaght Stadium
KO 5:30 pm
LIVE on RTÉ2

2022 UEFA Under-21 European Championship Qualifier
Republic of Ireland v Sweden
Tuesday, November 16
Tallaght Stadium
KO 7 pm
LIVE on RTÉ2

The post Ireland Men’s U21 squad named for Italy and Sweden qualifiers appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.