Carla Ward appointed Republic of Ireland Women’s head coach | OneFootball

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Former Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Aston Villa manager Carla Ward has been appointed Republic of Ireland head coach.

She will lead the team through to the end of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, with first up being a UEFA Nations League  game against Türkiye at Tallaght Stadium next month.

Ward told fai.com: “I’m hugely excited to get going with the Ireland Women’s National Team. This is an unbelievable opportunity, not just with the National Team but in helping to add to the fantastic work being done to develop women and girls’ football.

“Over the next two and a half years, as we build towards the World Cup, we can make a real difference and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

FAI Chief Football Officer Marc Canham said: “We are thrilled to announce a Head Coach of Carla’s pedigree. To be able to secure such a top quality coach is a statement of our ambition for where our Women’s National Team can go.

“We are delighted to secure someone who brings the passion, commitment and skillset that we set out to find in the recruitment process. Carla’s experience as a coach, aligned with her ability to bring the best out in those around her, marked her out as our number one candidate and we are confident that she will be a brilliant appointment.”

FAI CEO David Courell said: “We selected Carla as she possesses the perfect blend of expertise and experience to deliver on our ambition to qualify for major tournaments, competing against the best teams in the world and continuing to grow support for the women’s game in Ireland. I am hugely excited to support Carla and the team on their journey.”

Ward will be supported by Alan Mahon (Assistant Coach) and Emma Byrne (Goalkeeping Coach). Mahon is a former Ireland international who spent over 10 years as Assistant Manager with the Manchester City Women’s Team, while Byrne – the team’s record appearance holder – returns to the coaching set-up.

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