The Republic of Ireland “overachieved” by qualifying for the 2023 World Cup and they are currently undergoing a “transition period and building with a younger squad” according to the new women’s head coach Carla Ward.
The former Aston Villa manager made the comments after Ireland’s 4-0 defeat to Slovenia in Koper on Tuesday evening when Ward also conceded that her own tactical and selection errors were responsible for the worst defeat since 2018.
“Yes it is a reality check,” said Ward. “We have to be realistic about were we are at as a nation. There’s no harm in saying I believe it was an over-achievement to get to the last World Cup.
“They did fantastically well to get there. We have to recognise where we’re at and move that expectation. And really understand we are in a transition period and building with a younger squad.”
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However, Ward did not start a player younger than 25 in last Friday’s error strewn 1-0 win over Turkey in Tallaght or against Slovenia. The average age of the starting 11 on Tuesday was 27½ years old with Ireland’s two world class players, Arsenal wing back Katie McCabe (29) and North Carolina Courage midfielder Denise O’Sullivan (31) currently in their prime.
The defeat in Koper damages the FAI and Ward’s stated goal of qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil as Slovenia are now in pole position to be promoted to Nations League A with four matches remaining. Necla Gungor’s side visit Ireland on June 3rd.
The runners-up in Group 2 must overcome a country that finishes third in League A in a promotion/relegation playoff.
The importance of promotion cannot be overstated as it enhances Ireland’s seeding come next year’s playoff to qualify for Brazil.
It remains unclear, meanwhile, whether former Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson remains an employee of the FAI. At Ward’s unveiling as Ireland head coach on January 16th, the association’s chief football officer Marc Canham stated they were “working through” the 52 year old’s employment status and that “those conversations are confidential.”
When asked about the situation again on Wednesday the FAI did not respond to a request for comment.
Gleeson, who was hired as the FAI head of women’s and girls’ football in January 2023 before changing roles to replace Vera Pauw as head coach, has not spoken publicly since the association decided in December not to renew her contract following Ireland’s 3-2 aggregate defeat to Wales in the Euro 2025 playoff.
Hannah Dingley, who replaced Gleeson as the head of women’s and girls’ football, is due to publish the latest FAI strategy – or “action plan” – for the women’s game. Despite taking up the role in May 2024, Dingley has yet to speak to the media.
“Following a very thorough process that involved many excellent candidates,” said Canham on her appointment last year, “we are excited to have Hannah come in as our new head of women’s and girls’ football to continue the excellent work that is being done to develop the game at all levels.”
The FAI have appointed Christina Kenny as their chief operating officer, replacing David Courell following his promotion to chief executive last year.
Kenny is a Fifa licensed agent who previously held a voluntary role as an independent committee member at the association from 2019 to 2023.
