Ward, 41, takes charge of the Ireland side with immediate effect and will lead the country through to the end of the 2027 World Cup campaign.

Gleeson's contract was not renewed following the team's defeat by Wales in last month's Euro 2025 play-off as the Irish missed out on place at this year's finals in Switzerland.

Ward's first game in charge will be the Uefa Nations League opener against Turkey at Tallaght Stadium on 21 February.

The Isle of Wight-born woman's coaching career has included being part of the United States' management team as they won gold at last year's Olympics in Paris while she has also had stints in charge of Sheffield United and Birmingham City.

Ward said she was "hugely excited" to land the Republic of Ireland job.

"This is an unbelievable opportunity, not just with the national team but in helping to add to the fantastic work being done to develop women and girls' football," she added.