Gleeson and Healy departures a surprise - Mannion

Former Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson and assistant coach Colin Healy did not have their contracts renewed by the FAI

Republic of Ireland defender Aoife Mannion says the departures of manager Eileen Gleeson and assistant coach Colin Healy were a "surprise".

Gleeson and Healy did not have their contracts renewed after the Republic's Euro 2025 play-off defeat by Wales in December.

Carla Ward was named as Gleeson's replacement and will take charge of her first match in the Republic of Ireland's Nations League opener at home to Turkey on Friday.

"I really liked Colin, as I liked Eilo [Gleeson]," Mannion told RTE.

"It was a surprise for me when they were let go. I loved coming into camps under them, so on a personal level I'll really miss them."

In a statement on his Instagram, Healy criticised the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for the manner of his departure, saying he was given assurances he would be kept on and had turned down other jobs before being told his contract would not be renewed.

This was rejected by FAI director of football Marc Canham, who said no guarantees were given and it was "purely a football decision" after a review into the failed bid to reach the Euros.

Mannion said she was "saddened" to read Healy's statement and that he was "someone of high integrity and commitment".

The Manchester United defender added that Healy, who lost his wife earlier in 2024, was "really inspiring for us as a team".

"I wish Colin all the best. I only want great things for him and also Eilo, who I personally had a really good relationship with.

"I think if the FAI wants to be a really open and inclusive organisation, they will want to have a look internally and make sure everything has been done and will be done going forward that makes sure situations where a lack of clarity and communication happen are to a minimum.

"Everyone deserves that and I'm sure the FAI will continue to make sure that happens going forward."

New boss Ward 'ambitious and hungry'

Experienced defenders Niamh Fahey and Diane Caldwell have retired from international football

Gleeson has been replaced by former Aston Villa manager Ward, who takes charge of her first game against Turkey on Friday before the trip to Slovenia on Tuesday.

Mannion said she was "really looking forward" to playing under Ward, who has a contract through to the end of the 2027 World Cup campaign.

"I've not played under her but I've spoken to her and she seems really excited, ambitious and hungry for the team to do well," said Mannion.

"I'm sure she is keen to get us all in a room and tell us her visions and plans for the next number of years."

The Republic will be without the experienced trio of Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell, who all retired from international duty after the play-off defeat.

Mannion said they were "massive, massive characters who won't ever be replaced".

"Niamh Fahey and Diane Caldwell were massive role models as defenders and people for me, personally," added the 29-year-old.

"Julie-Ann Russell had a year that nobody could have written, from when she first came into camp to where she ended up.

"It is so disappointing to see them step back and retire but I'm really thankful, on a personal level, that I've been on camps around them."