John O'Shea has been appointed assistant Ireland head coach under new Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson.
Hallgrímsson has confirmed his coaching and performance team. O'Shea returns to the coaching set-up, having being Interim Head Coach against Belgium, Switzerland, Hungary and Portugal this year.
Paddy McCarthy also returns to the coaching staff as assistant coach. Whereas, McCarthy will remain in his existing role at Premier League side Crystal Palace. McCarthy will link up with the Ireland squad in the international windows.
Hallgrímsson also welcomes compatriot Gudmundur Hreidarsson as an assistant coach, with responsibility for goalkeeping. Hreidarsson has worked with the Ireland Head Coach throughout his coaching career; starting in Iceland at club level before working with the Icelandic national team and with Jamaica.
Head of Athletic Performance, Damien Doyle will remain in his role. Whereas, the team's performance analyst will be recruited in the coming month.
"I'm delighted to secure the services of John and Paddy for the coaching team and welcome Gudmundur to Ireland” said Heimir Hallgrímsson.
“It was an absolute priority for me to bring John into the staff when I joined the association. I travelled down to Waterford at the first opportunity to sit down with him and discuss the role”.
Paddy McCarthy to remain part of coaching ticket
“It became clear we're very much aligned in our ideas and what the future should look like. It is fantastic he has agreed to be the Assistant Head Coach”.
"Paddy has also agreed to continue his work with the team and the wealth of experience he brings will continue to be invaluable to the team.
Gudmundur has been an important part of my coaching staff throughout my career and I am delighted he can join me once again in Ireland. Work has already begun with our focus fully on the matches against England and Greece in September."
Assistant Head Coach John O'Shea said; "Everybody knows the passion and commitment to the Irish national team I have had throughout my playing and now, coaching career. So it was great when Heimir approached me to be part of his coaching set-up”.
"Since I sat down with Heimir and talked about the plans for the team, and what he saw for me in the set-up, I was delighted to accept the role for the next two campaigns and continue my work with the team ahead of two huge fixtures for the group.
“It was important to have some continuity for Heimir with the players and myself and Paddy will be able to provide that and support him in the role."
The coaching set-up has been confirmed for the upcoming UEFA Nations League and FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaigns.
Ireland begin their UEFA Nations league campaign against Euro 2024 runners-up England on September 7 in the Aviva stadium.
