Eileen Gleeson, the interim manager of the Republic of Ireland team, has said it was "sad to see" Stephen Kenny leave his Ireland post this week.
Kenny and the FAI (Football Association of Ireland) this week concluded that it was time to start afresh. His current deal was not to be renewed, and essentially, he has been sacked. After losing six of their eight qualifiers, his role became untenable for many.
Gleeson, who has her own work to do with Ireland's women's team for their Nations League double-header against Hungary and Northern Ireland next month, has paid her respects to the 52-year-old for his dedication to the cause.
“I think Stephen is the ultimate professional; he is super passionate about Ireland. For me, it’s sad to see Stephen go; (I have) the utmost respect for him,” said Gleeson on Thursday.
“He did a lot for Irish football, and I’m sure he’ll continue to do so. For me, it is a sad day. I think he’s wholly dedicated to Ireland, and you can’t ask for much more."
Gleeson has also praised Kenny for bringing through a number of younger players into the senior side. Players like Sinclair Armstrong, Andrew Moran, and many others have all played under Kenny since he took the job in 2020. Kenny has handed competitive debuts to 26 players during his time in charge. Kenny's work with the younger players will be what he is best remembered for, believes Gleeson. This is something that the eventual replacement will benefit from in the years to come.
“That is the legacy; the football landscape changes very quickly, and a sporting career has a finite time, so you have to keep transitioning young players through. You have to try to get them experience; Stephen did it, and we’re trying to do it,” added Gleeson.
Eileen Gleeson pays respects to Stephen Kenny(Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
“You’re always in this moment, and you have to look forward. We constantly talk about Euro 2025 while we’re in this campaign; we talk about the World Cup in 2027. The legacy piece is you have to transition young players through, and that’s the nature of football. So yeah, I think that will be a big legacy from Stephen, which is super important.”
Ireland head into the Hungary game on December 1 with a perfect record in their Nations League group. Four wins in four in the campaign mean that Ireland has been promoted to League A. Gleeson's short but successful stint so far has made her case to be Ireland's permanent women's team manager even stronger.
When asked once again about what she thought about taking the gig full-time, the Dublin native refused to answer and claimed it was up to the higher-ups to decide on any full-time manager.
“Look, the process is ongoing, as I say every time I come in here. Marc Canham (FAI Director of Football) is leading that process, so I’m sure when the time is ready, Marc will make that announcement,” said Gleeson.
“I’m not even going to answer it; I can tell you before you waste your breath. Like I said, the full focus is on the two games coming up. I’ve answered this question. It’s not for today. Today is really around the squad announcement.”
Corrected Squad Announcement:
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (London City Lionesses), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes)
Defenders: Caitlin Hayes (Celtic), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Diane Caldwell (FC Zurich), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City)
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Bristol City), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Sinead Farrelly (NJ/NY Gotham), Ruesha Littlejohn (London City Lionesses), Lily Agg (Birmingham City), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Heather Payne (Everton), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United)
Forwards: Kyra Carusa (San Diego Wave), Abbie Larkin (Glasgow City), Erin McLaughlin (Peamount United), Saoirse Noonan (Durham WFC), Emily Whelan (Glasgow City), Ellen Dolan (Peamount United)
UEFA Nations League:
Ireland vs. Hungary Friday, December 1 Tallaght Stadium Kick-off: 19:30 LIVE on RTÉ2
UEFA Nations League:
Northern Ireland vs. Ireland Tuesday, December 5 National Stadium, Belfast Kick-off: 18:00 LIVE on RTÉ2
