Ireland midfielder Denise O'Sullivan has criticized the FAI's handling of Colin Healy's departure from the senior international coaching staff, calling it 'disrespectful,' 'lacking class,' and 'lacking compassion.'
Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan has criticized the Football Association of Ireland ( FAI ) for its handling of Colin Healy's departure from the senior international coaching staff. Healy, along with manager Eileen Gleeson, was informed after the Euro 2025 play-off defeat to Wales in December that their contracts would not be renewed.
Healy subsequently issued statements criticizing the FAI, claiming FAI chief football officer Marc Canham had verbally assured him his recommendation to the board would be for his contract extension alongside Eileen. In a second statement on the morning of Carla Ward's appointment as the new Ireland manager, Healy added that, believing he would continue as Ireland's assistant manager, he turned down the opportunity to manage Cobh Ramblers. His account of events was disputed by FAI CEO David Courell and Canham during Ward's unveiling. O’Sullivan has been a vocal supporter of her fellow Cork native since his departure and spoke out this week on Irish Football Fan TV about the situation. 'Coaches being let go, that’s normal, it’s part of the game, but I think it was the manner it was done in, I think it was disrespectful, I think it lacked class, I think it lacked compassion,' said the North Carolina Courage star. 'Working with Colin, I don’t have one bad thing to say about him. He’s an incredible man, a really excellent coach, but I don’t even want to get into the coaching side because everyone who knows Colin knows how good a coach he is. There’s a way to do things and there’s a way to treat people and it wasn’t the right thing to do. I’m really disappointed it happened the way it did. I love playing for Ireland but I think this is a step backwards. It left a bad taste in my mouth, the way that happened.'O’Sullivan then referenced the tragic passing last year of Healy's wife Kelly. 'He’s a great man. He was dedicated in the whole of last year to the national team, with the challenges he faced as a person in his life, it’s a person’s welfare,' she said. 'It affects their family and when that happens I need to speak about it. I can’t just stay quiet and that’s why I have voiced my opinion on that. I would be disappointed in myself if I didn’t speak up. It was handled really poorly in my opinion.
DENISE O'sullivan FAI COLIN HEALY IRELAND FOOTBALL EILEEN GLEESON CARLA WARD
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'It lacked class and compassion' - Denise O'Sullivan again hits out at FAI over Healy departureThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
FAI deny allegations made by former Ireland coach Colin Healy over non-contract renewalFormer Ireland international claims FAI chief football officer Marc Canham verbally assured him of a contract extension
Read more »
'We didn't give Colin any absolute guarantees' - FAI respond to Healy claimsThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
FAI Appointment Controversy: Healy's Exit and Ward's IntroductionThe appointment of Carla Ward as the new head coach of the Irish women's national team was overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the departure of Colin Healy, former assistant coach. Healy's statement detailed a verbal assurance from FAI chief football officer Marc Canham regarding contract renewal, which was later refuted by Canham. The situation raises questions about communication and transparency within the FAI.
Read more »
'Lacking transparency and compassion' - Colin Healy lifts lid on FAI exit in blistering statementThe former WNT assistant claims Marc Canham broke a verbal agreement in relieving him of his duties, and that CEO David Courell wrongly believed Healy walked away from the role.
Read more »
Colin Healy statement marks another embarrassing day for the FAIWhat should have been a positive occasion, the unveiling of new Republic manager Carla Ward, has instead been overshadowed by news of the shoddy treatment of the former Ireland assistant coach
Read more »