Hannah Dingley Steps Down from Key Role in Irish Football
Hannah Dingley has reportedly resigned from her role as the Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) head of women and girls’ football, ending her time in the position just over a year after being appointed. Dingley took on the role in April last year, following the appointment of Eileen Gleeson as the permanent head coach of the Republic of Ireland women’s senior team. Gleeson’s move to coaching left the leadership position open, which Dingley then stepped into.
A Groundbreaking Coach Walks Away
Known for breaking new ground in the football world, Dingley made history in July 2023 when she became the first woman to manage a men’s professional football team in England, stepping in as Forest Green Rovers’ interim boss. Her exit from the FAI marks another significant shift in the organization, which has already seen the recent announcement that Marc Canham, the chief football officer, will also be stepping down in June. These high-level changes are sure to raise questions about the FAI’s direction and stability moving forward.
Eileen Gleeson a Potential Replacement?
Interestingly, the FAI may already have a potential replacement waiting in the wings. Eileen Gleeson, despite not having her contract renewed as the head coach last December, still maintains an employment relationship with the association. When asked about her status back in March, an FAI spokesperson told RTÉ Sport that Gleeson’s role had not been clearly “defined,” leaving the door open for a possible return in a leadership capacity.
The Push for More Inclusive Football Facilities
Back in March, Dingley made her first official media appearance in the role, where she emphasized the urgent need to improve facilities for women and girls at the grassroots level. She highlighted that making clubs more female-friendly should be the number one priority, especially given the growing interest in the sport among girls. Participation numbers have been steadily climbing, with over 45,000 women and girls now registered to play in Ireland. The gender ratio has also improved—from six boys to every girl six years ago, to now just three boys to every girl. Still, only 33% of amateur clubs have proper changing rooms and facilities for females, which remains a major hurdle to further growth.
