A closer look at Ireland's new caretaker boss
Ireland's Leanne Kiernan, Diane Caldwell and Emily Whelan celebrate Ireland's 3-2 win. Credit: Al Robinson (ETPhotos)
Whether on the field or in the stands, the "Girls in Green" have captured the hearts of fans and are a testament to the dedication and skill of women athletes in Ireland.
They have competed in various international tournaments, including the FIFA Women's World Cup and the UEFA European Women's Championship (also known as the Women's Euro).
Their participation in these tournaments has caused online casinos in this list and sportsbooks in Ireland to offer wagering opportunities for punters in Ireland.
The success and failure of the girls in green are attributable to their management. With the exit of Vera Pauw, it is imperative to analyze the team's incoming manager, Eileen Gleeson.
Analyzing her reign
Caretaker manager Eileen Gleeson will lead Ireland in at least two September Nations League games but won't be Ireland's permanent manager for long.
However, for someone who has had more of an impact after retiring from professional sports than during their playing days, leading the team out against Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium will be a career-high.
Gleeson played for clubs like Ballymun United and Hammond Celtic at an era when women's soccer was nothing like the modern setup, in which players may make a livelihood as part-time professionals.
It does, however, not disqualify her from the position of leading the national girls' team in international matches.
Examining her career life
Eileen found her calling as a coach, particularly with Peamount United at a time when the South Dublin outfit was one of the leading teams in a growing women's soccer scene. She led the Peas to domestic glory and the Champions League playoffs.
After making a name for herself at Peamount and UCD, Vera Pauw hired the well-liked Gleeson as her assistant in 2019, having seen her earn her UEFA pro-licence coaching qualification in 2015.
The two remained in close contact until 2021 when Gleeson accepted the head coaching position at Glasgow City.
Commentary from Pauw
"Everywhere I've coached, I've sought a local assistant familiar with that nation's players and football culture. In that aspect, Eileen has been one of the greatest that I've worked with, and I appreciate all she did for the Ireland team," Pauw remarked in 2021, lamenting Gleeson's departure to Glasgow but wishing her well.
Gleeson won a league championship and reached the Cup finals with Glasgow before deciding to come home and taking the position of Head of Women's and Girls Football with the FAI in January.
With her new appointment, all eyes are on her to see if she can secure a win with the "girls in green" in the upcoming September matches.
