Carla Ward is a year in her job as Ireland WNT manager. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
One year down, a huge one looming. Almost twelve months to the day since being appointed Ireland women’s boss, Carla Ward will hope that 2026 ends with a place at the 2027 World Cup safely secured.
After the pain of Ireland’s Euro 2025 play-off defeat to Wales a little over a year ago, the 42-year-old succeeded Eileen Gleeson after the FAI decided not to renew her contract, as former Aston Villa and Sheffield United boss Ward earned her first top job in international football.