The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the Ireland Men’s National Team coaching staff have extended their contracts until the conclusion of UEFA EURO 2028.

Following Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson’s contract extension earlier this year, Assistant Head Coach John O’Shea, Assistant Coach Paddy McCarthy and Goalkeeping Coach Gudmundur Hreidarsson have all signed new deals to remain with the squad.

The announcement ensures that Hallgrímsson’s full coaching team is in place for the long term, covering the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League and through to the 2028 UEFA European Championships, which are set to be hosted in Ireland and the UK.

O’Shea and McCarthy bring significant continuity to the group, having worked together during O’Shea’s tenure as Interim Head Coach, while Hreidarsson remains a key pillar of Hallgrímsson’s technical staff. With the coaching structure now finalised, the team turns its full focus to international competitive action resuming next month.

McCarthy will continue to balance his role with the MNT alongside his coaching position at Crystal Palace, coming into the Ireland set-up for the international periods. 

Assistant Head Coach John O’Shea said: "I am honoured to extend my time with the national team. Having been involved with this group for several years, I have seen the immense progression and potential within the squad firsthand. It is an incredibly exciting time for Irish football, and I am fully focused on helping lead this team toward a major tournament on home soil at UEFA EURO 2028."

Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said: "I would like to thank the Association for their support in securing the future of our coaching staff. Since I arrived, John, Paddy, and Gummi have been an incredible support to me and integral to everything we are building here. Their knowledge of the players and the Irish game is invaluable. I am delighted that we will continue to work together to drive this team forward and achieve the results our fans deserve."

FAI Director of Football John Martin said: "We are pleased to have our full coaching staff committed until the end of the UEFA EURO 2028 cycle. Stability is vital for the development of the squad, and we have been impressed by the working dynamic between Heimir, John, Paddy and Gudmundur. By securing this team now, we provide the best possible platform for the players to succeed, starting with a vital UEFA Nations League campaign next month."