James O'Callaghan leaves Peamount United hot seat after eight years and three league titles

James O'Callaghan has stepped down as manager of Peamount United after eight years in charge and three league titles.

"After 11 incredible years with Peamount United, including eight seasons as senior manager, my time has come to step down," O'Callaghan said in a statement.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to all the wonderful people connected to this unique club. To the players, the committee, and volunteers, you are the heart and soul of this true giant of women's football in this country.

"I'm most proud of the togetherness, values, culture and family environment we've created."

O'Callaghan succeeded now Republic of Ireland boss Eileen Gleeson at the Newcastle, Co Dublin-based side in 2014.

Having lost several players to DLR Waves, O'Callaghan had to rebuild the squad, but they were contending again by 2016, finishing third that year, second in 2017 and third again in 2018, with Amber Barrett the Women's National League top-scorer in those three seasons.

Peamount were FAI Women's Cup runners-up to Wexford in 2018 but gained revenge in the WNL Cup final.

In 2019, O'Callaghan led Peamount to their first league title in seven years, though they again lost the Cup final to Wexford, and in 2020 the Peas did the double.

The 2021 league title was lost to Shelbourne on the last day of the season, and Peamount finished third in '22 but despite losing Aine O'Gorman to Shamrock Rovers they bounced back to reclaim the Premier Division crown in 2023.

Peamount finished sixth this season, 21 points behind champions Athlone Town, but also recorded a memorable victory in Champions League qualifying over Belarusian champions Dinamo Minsk before bowing out against Osijek of Croatia.

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