FAI 'lacked class' in treatment of Colin Healy, says Denise O'Sullivan

Republic of Ireland international Denise O'Sullivan has again hit out at the FAI over their handling of Colin Healy’s departure from the women’s managerial set-up.

Healy served as Eileen Gleeson's assistant during her 15-month reign at the helm, but when the association parted company with the manager following Ireland's disappointing Euro 2025 play-off final defeat to Wales, it was announced on the same day that her assistant would also be departing from his role.

While FAI Director of Football Marc Canham claimed the circumstances were made clear to Healy at every stage and that there were consistent lines of communication, Healy strongly disputed this version of events.

The 44-year-old criticised the process in which he was removed from his role, claiming he had been informed just weeks before the decision that there would be a recommendation that his contract be extended.

Healy claims he turned down an offer to take a role as manager of Cobh Ramblers on the strength of a discussion with Canham and is expected to make a formal complaint over his handling of his departure.

O'Sullivan described Healy as a "major loss" at the time and questioned the FAI's decision to cut ties with the coach. Speaking on Irish Football Fan TV, the North Carolina Courage midfielder again expressed her anger over Healy’s exit.

"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," she said.

"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