Denise O'Sullivan has described Colin Healy as a "major loss" to the Republic of Ireland and questioned the FAI's decision to cut ties with the coach.
Healy served as Eileen Gleeson's assistant during her 15-month reign at the helm. The former Celtic, Sunderland and Cork City man was extremely well regarded by the players, having a considerable influence in the dugout and in training.
Earlier this month the FAI confirmed Gleeson's contract would not be renewed after the Girls in Green suffered a painful Euro 2025 play-off defeat to Wales.
It's understood that the 52-year-old had a clause in her contract that ensures she has the option of staying on with the FAI in some capacity, but it looks highly unlikely that Healy will be sticking around, depite being tipped in some quarters as a possible candidate to succeed Gleeson.
O'Sullivan has now publicly aired her frustration at the decision not find a role for her fellow Corkonian in the new managerial setup.
"When a coach of Colin Healy's calibre wants to stay involved I think it’s common sense to do whatever you can to keep him on," she posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.
"Major loss for the team. I’m disappointed to say the least."
O'Sullivan's shared her comments over a repost of an Irish Examiner article that carried a statement from Healy's representatives, Integrity Sport.
It read: "Colin is an exceptional coach and one of the most honourable people I've met in the game. After the heartbreaking loss of his beautiful wife Kelly this year, Colin has showed an unbelieveable resolve and commitment to continue his work with the Women's National Team under such difficult family circumstances.
"Over the past few weeks he has also displayed a kind of loyalty rarely seen in football, declining to pursue two different management offers due to his complete dedication to his work witht the FAI, Eileen, her staff and players.
"For all the talk of the need for growth in Irish football, the importance of funding and for training hours for young players to increase, one vividly bright spot within the game here is unquestionable - that we have never been in a better place in relation to the volume of excellent coaches we have available with huge potential.
"We are producing plenty of men and women who can absolutely operate at an elite level if given the opportunity and time to prove themselves."
