Ireland face Italy next month in Eileen Gleeson’s first match as head coach – Irish Times

Eileen Gleeson’s first competitive match as Republic of Ireland head coach will be against Italy on February 23 at Fiorentina’s “state-of-the-art training facility” Viola Park, the FAI has announced.

Gleeson has a perfect record as caretaker manager, leading Ireland to six consecutive wins last year and securing promotion to the Nations League top tier. She then secured a two-year contract to take Katie McCabe’s team to the 2025 European Championships in Switzerland.

The Dubliner’s previous FAI Head of Women’s Football position remains unfilled.

The draw for the Nations League, which also serves as a Euro qualifying round, will be held on March 5th. With matches starting in April, Ireland will make the most of the Italy friendly and Wales’ visit to the Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday February 27th to complete their nine-day camp.

Meanwhile, Abbey Larkin has joined Crystal Palace on a two-year deal. The teenager only recently signed a professional contract with Glasgow City after joining from Shamrock Rovers after last year’s World Cup, but the Ringsend-born player will soon be aiming for promotion to the Women’s Super League. He moved to Scottish football.

Palace currently sit fifth in the English Second Division Championship and already this week the South Londoners have signed a new young Irishman in Izzy Atkinson from West Ham United.

“I’m really excited and can’t wait to get started with the girls,” Larkin said. “The facilities are incredible and it’s a dream of mine to play in English football. I’m looking forward to settling in at the club, getting to know the girls, focusing on my football, having fun and hopefully developing further as a player.” Masu.”

Palace manager Laura Kaminski added: “We are delighted to welcome Abbey to Crystal Palace, a player with huge talent and potential.” We feel she will be a great addition to our existing forward options and look forward to working with her to facilitate her and the team’s exciting growth. ”

Tara O’Hanlon is also a technically gifted 18-year-old who was targeted by both Manchester clubs, with City planning to sign her from Peamount United on a three-and-a-half year deal.

Elsewhere, Megan Campbell joined London City Lionesses on an 18-month deal after her contract with Everton expired.

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