O’Shea named as Ireland Assistant Head Coach

Waterford native John O’Shea has been confirmed by Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson as part of his coaching and performance team for the UEFA Nations League and FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaigns.

O'Shea, who was the interim manager following the departure of Stephen Kenny, will return to the Ireland senior men's coaching set-up having led the country in friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland in March, and the Hungary and Portugal matches in June.

The Ferrybank man, who was capped 118 times for Ireland has been appointed to the Assistant Head Coach role in the coaching team ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign which begins on Saturday, September 7 against England at the Aviva Stadium.

Paddy McCarthy also returns to the coaching staff as Assistant Coach with the Icelandic including fellow countryman Gudmundur Hreidarsson as an assistant coach responsible for goalkeeping. Head of Athletic Performance, Damien Doyle will remain in his role with a performance analyst to be appointed.

Commenting on the appointments, the Ireland manager said: "I'm delighted to secure the services of John and Paddy for the coaching team, and welcome Gudmundur to Ireland. It was an absolute priority for me to bring John into the staff when I joined the association.

“I travelled down to Waterford at the first opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the role. It became clear we're very much aligned in our ideas and what the future should look like, and it's fantastic he has agreed to be the Assistant Head Coach.

"Paddy has also agreed to continue his work with the team and the wealth of experience he brings will continue to be invaluable to the team. Gudmundur has been an important part of my coaching staff throughout my career and I am delighted he can join me once again in Ireland. Work has already begun with our focus fully on the matches against England and Greece in September."

Assistant Head Coach John O'Shea said: "Everybody knows the passion and commitment to the Irish national team I have had throughout my playing, and now, coaching career, so it was great when Heimir approached me to be part of his coaching set-up.

"Since I sat down with Heimir and talked about the plans for the team, and what he saw for me in the set-up, I was delighted to accept the role for the next two campaigns and continue my work with the team ahead of two huge fixtures for the group. It was important to have some continuity for Heimir with the players and myself and Paddy will be able to provide that and support him in the role."