Sue Ronan steps down Ireland Women’s Senior coach
Sue Ronan will step down as Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Women’s Senior International Team in order to put her entire focus into her role as Head of Women’s Football for the FAI.
Sue Ronan steps down as #IRLWNT head coach - https://t.co/FScbyNXWC9 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/Lo7dCiWQSE
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) September 26, 2016
Ronan’s career as Head Coach of the national team spans the last six years, and included three major qualifying campaigns, which will come to an end in November this year.
Speaking today Ronan said she believes that the Women’s Senior Team is in a strong position for a bright future.
“It has been an absolute honour to have had the opportunity to manage my country for the last six years,” said Ronan.
“While we unfortunately haven’t achieved our goal of qualifying for a final tournament, it has been a pleasure working with a such a group of dedicated players who have always given their all to me personally and for the green jersey.
“I feel with the experience we now have in this squad, along with the quality of youngsters currently on our underage teams, the future looks very bright and will ultimately lead us to that goal of playing amongst the elite of Europe at a major finals.”
Sad to hear @sueronan is stepping down. Her contribution to the development of women's football in Ireland has been immense! #fai #wnl
— Seana Cooke (@seana_cooke) September 26, 2016
FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter paid tribute to Ronan and believes that her contribution to the Women’s Senior Team has been significant over recent years.
“She developed the Women’s Team to a professional standard and I want to congratulate her for the impact that she continues to have on Women’s football in Ireland,” said Dokter.
“Sue works hard to improve all aspects of what is required to represent Ireland at international level and that work has provided a benchmark for all young players to aspire to.
Wishing @sueronan the very best of luck in the future as there's a lot of development in the women's game under the Women's Strategic Plan https://t.co/YoUlXgvf91
— FAI Women (@FAIWomen) September 26, 2016
FAI CEO John Delaney said that Ronan is a “driving force in the women’s game”.
“Women’s football has made tremendous strides in Ireland over recent years thanks to the hard work of coaches, administrators, officials, volunteers, and people like Sue Ronan,” said Delaney.
The recruitment process for a new Head Coach of the Ireland Women’s Senior Team will commence shortly and it is expected that an appointment will be made later this year.
