'It lacked class and compassion' - Denise O'Sullivan again hits out at FAI over Healy departure

DENISE O’SULLIVAN HAS again hit out at the FAI over their handling of Colin Healy’s departure as assistant coach of the women’s national team.

Healy was relieved of his duties in December as the FAI decided against offering former head coach Eileen Gleeson a new contract following Ireland’s failure to qualify for Euro 2024.

The day after Gleeson’s exit was announced, Healy’s representatives Integrity Sport issued a statement expressing disappointment that their client would also depart.

Two weeks later, O’Sullivan criticised the FAI’s decision on X: “When a coach of Colin Healy’s caliber [sic] wants to stay involved I think it’s common sense to do whatever you can to keep him on. Major loss for the team. I’m disappointed to say the least.”

Healy then issued a blistering statement offering his version of events last month — hours before new head coach Carla Ward was unveiled at the Aviva Stadium. 

The Corkman slammed the FAI over what he believes is a lack of “transparency and compassion” and claimed chief football officer Marc Canham broke a verbal agreement in relieving him of his duties. Having turned down a full-time position as the manager of Cobh Ramblers as a result, Healy said he plans on lodging a formal complaint to the Association.

The FAI responded to Healy’s claims at Ward’s unveiling press conference, with Canham stating, “We didn’t give Colin any absolute guarantees or assurances that his contract would be renewed”.

Speaking to Irish Football Fan TV this week, O’Sullivan doubled down on her criticism, insisting the FAI  ”lacked class and compassion” in their treatment of Healy, who she has strongly backed on social media through the debacle.

"Colin's one of the best coaches, the manner it was done it was disrespectful, I thought it lacked class, it lacked compassion, working with Colin I can say he was a great man and an excellent coach."

Denise O'Sullivan on the treatment of Colin Healy on the first episode of our… pic.twitter.com/p0wB43O2kk

— Irish Football Fan TV (@irishfantv) February 4, 2025

“First and foremost, coaches being let go, that’s normal, it’s part of the game, but I think it was the manner it was done in,” the Cork midfielder said. “I think it was disrespectful, I think it lacked class, I think it lacked compassion.

“Working with Colin, I don’t have one bad thing to say about him. He’s an incredible man, a really excellent coach, but I don’t even want to get into the coaching side because everyone who knows Colin knows how good of a coach he is.

“It’s more of the human side. He was a really genuine and honest man. A lot of the players really respected him and he’s had massive impact on me as a player. I was really sad to see that happen.”

“The way he was treated, it’s unfair,” North Carolina Courage captain O’Sullivan added.

“It lacked a lot of class to me and it was so disrespectful to do that. I’m just really gutted for Colin really, I think it’s a step backwards. I think there is a way to do things and there’s a way to treat people and it wasn’t the right thing to do. I’m really disappointed it happened the way it did.

 ”I love playing for Ireland but I think this is a step backwards. It left a bad taste in my mouth.”

Caitlin Hayes was another Irish player who publicly aired her dismay following Healy’s exit in December. Canham addressed O’Sullivan and Hayes’ comments last month, claiming the FAI took no issue with players having their say publicly.

“Players had built a good relationship with the staff including Colin, which is quite clear,” said Canham. 

“We have no problem with players expressing their feelings, and they share that with us as well. Obviously that was public but we have had those conversations with players to get their feelings as well.” 

The team return to action later this month under new boss Ward and her assistant Alan Mahon, facing Türkiye and Slovenia in the Nations League. Gleeson’s goalkeeping coach Emma Byrne remains involved in the set-up.