Treaty United Appoint Irene Hehir as Head of Academy Coaching

Irene Hehir will oversee and support coaching across all Academy teams at Treaty United

Treaty United FC announces the appointment of Irene Hehir as the Club’s new Head of Academy Coaching

Treaty United FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Irene Hehir as the Club’s new Head of Academy Coaching, a key role that will see her oversee and support coaching across all Academy teams at Treaty United.

Irene steps into the role with extensive experience as a player, coach and coach educator, together with a strong existing connection to Treaty United. Most recently, she has been coaching with the Club’s Senior Women’s team, having previously managed Treaty United’s WU19 side and coached the WU17 team during the Club’s first year in the League of Ireland Academy.

In her new position, Irene will help to develop and implement a consistent coaching philosophy supporting coaches and players in the Club’s Academy.

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The role is funded through the League of Ireland Academy Investment Programme supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Sport Ireland. Treaty United would like to thank Minister Patrick O’Donovan and Minister Charlie McConalogue for their support in helping the Club in this invaluable appointment.

A former Irish U20 international and World Cup bronze medal winner, Irene spent much of her playing career with Lifford Ladies Soccer Club in Ennis, winning numerous league, cup and national titles at underage and senior level. She also represented Ireland at U20 level, scoring four international goals.

Her coaching career began at just 16 years of age, working with young players at Lifford, before progressing into roles at club, county and national level. Her experience includes the Emerging Talent Programme, FAI Centre of Excellence and the Republic of Ireland WU17 set-up, where she worked alongside James Scott from 2019.

Irene has also previously worked in the League of Ireland with Limerick FC as WU17 Head Coach and has been involved with the FAI U15 Girls National Academy. She was assistant coach with the Irish Women’s Cerebral Palsy team that claimed bronze at the Women’s World Cup.

Irene holds a UEFA Elite A Licence, which she gained last year, and has continued to progress through the FAI’s Coach Education pathway. Away from football, her professional and academic background includes a degree in Counselling & Psychotherapy, complementing her extensive experience in player and coach development.

Speaking about the appointment, Dave Rooney, Academy Director at Treaty United, commented, “Appointing Irene as Head of Academy Coaching is a hugely positive step for Treaty United and for the continued development of our Academy programme. Irene has an exceptional breadth of experience across the game, but just as importantly, she understands this Club, our Academy players and coaches, and what we are trying to build.

“Having worked across academy, senior and international environments, Irene brings a perspective that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our Academy coaching structures and create the best possible pathway for our young players to develop.”

Commenting on her appointment, Irene Hehir added: “I am delighted to take on the role of Head of Academy Coaching at Treaty United. Having already had the opportunity to work with the Club across different age groups, I have seen first-hand the quality and commitment of the coaches and players within the Academy.

This is a really exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with our Academy coaches and help create an environment where they can continue to learn, develop and perform at their best. Creating strong and consistent coaching environments throughout the Academy will ultimately give our young players the best opportunities”.