The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed a new full-time international coaching structure that will strengthen the development and level of support provided across Ireland’s underage international pathway.

The innovative model will see five full-time International Lead Coaches - Noel Hunt, Chelsea Noonan, John Cotter, Keith O’Halloran and James Scott - working alongside four full-time International Coaches - Conor McCormack, Graham Gartland, Mark Connors and Richie Smith - across all teams, from Under-15 up to Under-19 level.

The structure has been designed to transition away from a traditional age-group model and instead create a more connected coaching team working across development phases, supporting player development and ensuring greater alignment throughout the pathway.

The appointments include the addition of Noel Hunt, Chelsea Noonan, Conor McCormack and Graham Gartland, who will join John Cotter, Keith O’Halloran, James Scott, Mark Connors and Richie Smith after they came through an internal recruitment process.

Noel Hunt, a former Ireland international, enjoyed a successful playing career in Ireland, Scotland and England, where he scored twice in the Premier League. Hunt is part of the current FAI UEFA Pro Licence course and has coaching experience with Swindon Town, Waterford and Reading, leading the latter for over 50 games in League One.

Chelsea Noonan, a former Ireland underage international, is part of the current FAI UEFA Pro Licence course and recently helped Birmingham City secure promotion to the Women’s Super League in her role as Assistant Head Coach. Noonan previously worked with the Ireland Women’s Under-17s and spent time in Australia with Western United.

Conor McCormack, a UEFA A Licence holder, spent time with Manchester United and Triestina before going on to play over 400 games in the League of Ireland with five different clubs – winning two League titles and two Men’s FAI Cups. McCormack was recently part of the coaching set-up with the Ireland Men’s Under-19s.

Graham Gartland, a former Ireland B international, won four Men’s FAI Cups, one League of Ireland title and one League of Ireland Cup during a successful playing career. Gartland is a UEFA A Licence holder who has worked as Assistant Coach with Dundee in the Scottish Premiership and also at Shamrock Rovers across a number of their LOI Academy teams.

John Cotter, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, was Assistant Coach with the Ireland Men’s Under-17s at the 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup. A former Men’s FAI Cup winner as a player, Cotter helped Cork City win the League of Ireland and Men’s FAI Cup double as Assistant Coach, guided Avondale United to three consecutive Intermediate Cup titles as manager, and most recently led the Ireland Men’s Under-19s.

Keith O’Halloran, who holds both the UEFA A Licence and UEFA Elite Youth A Licence, was Assistant Coach with the Ireland Women’s Under-19s at the 2024 UEFA Women’s European Under-19 Championship. A former Premier League player with Middlesbrough, O’Halloran was also a lead coach on the FAI / Fingal County Council Transition Year Football & Fitness Programme.

James Scott, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, has led the Ireland Women’s Under-17s since 2019. Previously the National Coordinator for the FAI’s Girls’ Emerging Talent Programme, Scott also holds the UEFA Elite Youth A Licence and has experience coaching across both men’s and women’s football at various levels.

Mark Connors, a UEFA A Licence holder, was previously Head Coach with Longford Town Men’s Under-19s before working with the Ireland Men’s Under-16s as Assistant Coach. Connors, who also holds the UEFA Elite Youth A Licence, recently helped the Ireland Men’s Under-17s qualify for the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

Richie Smith, a UEFA A Licence holder, has coaching experience across several League of Ireland Academy structures, including Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic and UCD. Smith also holds the UEFA Elite Youth A Licence and has worked as Assistant Coach across a number of Ireland underage international teams.

FAI Technical Director Shane Robinson said: “The introduction of the new coaching structure is an important step forward for our international pathway and reflects the direction we want to take as an Association. We wanted to build a full-time coaching structure that is more connected, collaborative and aligned across the pathway.

“There is strong experience within this group of coaches who have worked across international football, League of Ireland, academy environments, grassroots, development programmes and abroad in a number of different football settings. Importantly, they all share a passion for developing young players and helping drive standards for the betterment of Irish football.”

FAI Director of Football John Martin said: “This new coaching structure is about creating greater alignment, consistency and connection across our international pathway. We want our young players to experience a clear identity and level of support throughout their journey with our national teams, regardless of the age group. 

“Through these appointments, we’ve brought together coaches with strong experience across the game and we believe this structure will create a stronger environment for both players and staff as we continue to strengthen the pathway.”