Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’ Neill has left his post, along with assistant manager Roy Keane.
It is a move that has been coming for quite some time. The Republic of Ireland have not won a game in 2018. As a result, they were relegated from the new Uefa Nations League Group B4
Martin O’ Neill and Roy Keane were hired by the FAI in 2013 to replace the unpopular Giovanni Trapattoni.
Although there were some highs along the way, it has been a disappointing spell for Martin O’ Neill. He and Roy Keane failed to alleviate the underwhelming performances and sense of decline that gripped the Ireland team.
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However, they did help the Republic of Ireland to their best ever finish in the European Championship. In 2016, they reached the last 16 before being knocked out by France 2 – 1.
“I thank Martin, Roy, and the management team for the impact they had,” said Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief John Delaney.
“There have been many highlights during Martin’s reign – none more so than Euro 2016 in France, which will live long in the memory of all Irish supporters.”
According to an FAI statement, the governing body will “meet promptly to discuss the process of recruiting a new manager”.
Naturally, O’Neill reminisced on the good times in his farewell statement.
“I will not forget the night in Lille when we beat Italy to secure the nation’s best ever achievement in the Euros competition.
“The terrific night we beat the World Champions Germany at home in Dublin, or James McClean’s goal in that euphoric win against Wales in Cardiff that put us through to the play-offs for this year’s World Cup.”
Tellingly, his statement made no reference to anyone in the FAI, unlike the statement from Roy Keane.
“It is with a heavy heart that I leave this role,” said Keane, as he thanked “FAI board for giving me that opportunity.”
“It was one of my lifetime ambitions to take charge of the Irish senior squad.”
