Denise O'Sullivan 'disappointed to say the least' at Colin Healy departure

Ireland star Cork's Denise O'Sullivan has expressed her disappointment at Colin Healy's departure from the WNT setup, suggesting the decision not to retain his services lacks common sense.

Former Cork City boss Healy was relieved of his Ireland duties when the FAI decided not to retain Eileen Gleeson as head coach following failure to qualify for next summer's European Championships. Healy was part of Gleeson's backroom team.

At the time of the decision, Healy's representatives Integrity Sport released a statement expressing disappointment, pointing out Healy's loyalty to the FAI at a time when he was grieving the loss of his late wife Kelly.

"Over the past few weeks he has also displayed a kind of loyalty rarely seen in football, declining to pursue two different management offers due to his complete dedication to his work with the FAI, Eileen, her staff and players."

Experienced Ireland midfielder O'Sullivan has now publicly backed Healy, revealing her disappointment in a post on X.

"When a coach of Colin Healy’s caliber wants to stay involved I think it’s common sense to do whatever you can to keep him on. 

"Major loss for the team. I’m disappointed to say the least."

The public show of frustration will raise fears of a disconnect between players and FAI officials about the best way forward. 

Players' unhappiness with the methods of previous manager Vera Pauw played a part in the FAI's decision not to renew the Dutch woman's contract following the last World Cup campaign.

O'Sullivan previously expressed her gratitude to Gleeson for her spell in charge.

"I truly enjoyed playing for Ireland under Eileen and the staff. 

"Thanks Eileen for creating a great environment for us players and giving it your all."

Healy's agents had recently also expressed their disappointment at the FAI's decision to end his spell with the senior team.

Integrity Sport issued a statement stating their disappointment of their client being relieved of his duties with the Irish Women's National Team alongside Eileen Gleeson and other members of the management team.

Healy was part of Gleeson's management team and has been relieved of his duties. 

In the statement from Integrity Sport they said that Healy was "an exceptional coach" who showed great resolve following his own personal heartbreak.

"Colin is an exceptional coach and one of the most honourable people I've met in the game. 

"After the heartbreaking loss of his beautiful wife Kelly this year, Colin has showed an unbelieveable resolve and commitment to continue his work with the Women's National Team under such difficult family circumstances.

"The former Cork City manager declined other managerial roles to continue his work with Gleeson and the WNT before the announcement by the FAI.

"Over the past few weeks he has also displayed a kind of loyalty rarely seen in football, declining to pursue two different management offers due to his complete dedication to his work with the FAI, Eileen, her staff and players."

"With a broader observation in mind -not a criticism. For all the talk of the need for growth in Irish football, the importance of funding and for training hours for young players to increase, one vividly bright spot within the game here is unquestionable - that we have never been in a better place in relation to the volume of excellent coaches we have available with huge potential.

"We are producing plenty of men and women who can absolutely operate at an elite level if given the opportunity and time to prove themselves.

"Regardless of money, plan etc., Irish football cannot grow long term, unless a greater faith and belief is shown in Irish coaches to attain and retain opportunities at the top of the coaching pyramid."