Disappointment for Colin Healy after being relieved of duties
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Colin Healy's representatives, Integrity Sport, have issued a statement this evening stated their disappointment of their client being relieved of his duties with the Irish Women's National Team alongside Eileen Gleeseon and other members of the management team.
In a statement issued last night the FAI confirmed that Gleeson's time as head coach of the Irish WNT has come to an end after Ireland missed out on qualification for Euro 2025 after defeat to Wales at the Aviva Stadium earlier this month. The search for Gleeson's successor has commenced.
Healy was part of Gleeson's management team and has been relieved of his duties. In the statement from Integrity Sport they said that Healy was "an exceptional coach" who showed great resolve following his own personal heartbreak.
"Colin is an exceptional coach and one of the most honourable people I've met in the game. After the heartbreaking loss of his beautiful wife Kelly this year, Colin has showed an unbelieveable resolve and commitment to continue his work with the Women's National Team under such difficult family circumstances.
The former Cork City manager declined other managerial roles to continue his work with Gleeson and the WNT before the announcement on Wednesday by the FAI.
"Over the past few weeks he has also displayed a kind of loyalty rarely seen in football, declining to pursue two different management offers due to his complete dedication to his work witht he FAI, Eileen, her staff and players."
"With a broader observation in mind -not a criticism. For all the talk of the need for growth in Irish football, the importance of funding and for training hours for young players to increase, one vividly bright spot within the game here is unquestionable - that we have never been in a better place in relation to the volume of excellent coaches we have available with huge potential.
"We are producing plenty of men and women who can absolutely operate at an elite level if given the opportunity and time to prove themselves.
"Regardless of money, plan etc., Irish football cannot grow long term, unless a greater faith and belief is shown in Irish coaches to attain and retain opportunities at the top of the coaching pyramid."