Ireland to play Italy next month in Eileen Gleeson’s first game as head coach

Eileen Gleeson’s first official match as the Republic of Ireland head coach is against Italy at Viola Park, Fiorentina’s “state of the art training complex” on February 23rd, the FAI have confirmed.

Gleeson holds a perfect record as interim manager, guiding Ireland to six straight victories last year to secure promotion to the Nations League top tier. She was subsequently awarded a two-year contract to take the Katie McCabe-led squad to the 2025 European Championships in Switzerland.

The Dubliner’s previous position as the FAI head of girls’ and women’s football has yet to be filled.

The Nations League draw, which doubles as qualifiers for the Euros, takes place on March 5th. The matches begin in April so Ireland will make full use of the Italian friendly and the visit of Wales to Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday, February 27th to conclude a nine-day camp.

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Meanwhile, Abbie Larkin has joined Crystal Palace on a two-year deal. The teenager only signed professional terms with Glasgow City after last year’s World Cup, moving from Shamrock Rovers, but the Ringsend native has quickly swapped Scottish football for a tilt at promotion to the Women’s Super League.

Palace are currently fifth in the English second-tier Championship and already this week the south Londoners secured another young Irish player in Izzy Atkinson from West Ham United.

“I’m absolutely buzzing and I can’t wait to get started with the girls,” said Larkin. “The facilities are unbelievable and it’s my dream to play in English football. I’m looking forward to settling into the club and getting closer to the girls, focusing on my football, enjoying it and hopefully developing more as a player.”

Palace manager Laura Kaminski added, “We’re delighted to welcome Abbie, a player of enormous talent and potential, to Crystal Palace. We feel that she will be an excellent addition to our existing forward options, and we look forward to working with her to further her – and the team’s – exciting development.”

Tara O’Hanlon, yet another technically gifted 18-year-old, was being pursued by both Manchester clubs, with City set to sign her from Peamount United on a three-and-a-half year deal.

Elsewhere, Megan Campbell joined London City Lionesses on an 18 month deal after her contract expired at Everton.

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