Ireland Coaching Team Secured Until Euro 2028

The Republic of Ireland have tied down their key backroom figures, with John O'Shea, Paddy McCarthy and Gudmundur Hreidarsson all signing contract extensions through to 2028.

The decision cements the support team around head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, whose own deal was extended earlier this year to run until the end of the Euro 2028 qualifying cycle. The tournament will be staged in the UK and Ireland, sharpening the focus on stability and continuity in Dublin.

Hallgrimsson was quick to underline how central the trio have become since he took charge.

“Since I arrived, John, Paddy, and Gummi have been an incredible support to me and integral to everything we are building here,” he said. “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.”

For O'Shea, who stepped in as interim manager for four games in 2024 before Hallgrimsson’s appointment, the new deal marks another step in his coaching journey with the national side. The former Manchester United defender called himself “honoured” to extend his stay.

“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,” he said.

McCarthy will continue to juggle his Ireland duties with his role on the coaching staff at Crystal Palace, maintaining his link with the Premier League while remaining part of the international setup.

Hreidarsson, a familiar figure in Hallgrimsson’s coaching circle, stays on as part of a group now clearly built for the long haul.

The contracts land just as Ireland prepare to restart competitive action. Later this month, Hallgrimsson’s side open their Uefa Nations League campaign with a three-game run against Kosovo, Israel and Austria — the first steps in a four-year march toward a home European Championship.