Ireland secures coaching team with O’Shea, McCarthy, and Hreidarsson until 2028

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

The trio will remain alongside head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson for the full Euro 2028 qualifying cycle, a period that builds towards a landmark tournament on home soil, with the finals to be staged in the UK and Ireland.

McCarthy will continue to juggle duties, keeping his role with the national side while maintaining his coaching position at Crystal Palace.

“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.”

O'Shea, who stepped in as interim boss for four games in 2024 before Hallgrimsson’s appointment, spoke of the pride he feels at staying on in the role.

He described himself as “honoured” to extend his deal and stressed the scale of the opportunity ahead.

“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,” said the former Manchester United defender.

Attention now turns to the next block of fixtures. The Republic of Ireland resume action later this month as they kick off their Uefa Nations League campaign with matches against Kosovo, Israel and Austria — the first steps of a coaching team now built to last.