Bray Wanderers' former manager Gary Cronin has left his role as assistant coach of the Ireland Women's National Team (WNT) after just six months. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed his departure on Sunday, with Cronin having joined the setup in January 2026. The Seagulls are currently second in the First Division with 40 points from 25 games, 17 points behind leaders Cork City.
What happened?
Gary Cronin’s exit was announced in a brief FAI statement, which thanked him for his contributions during a successful qualifying campaign. The former Longford Town and Bray Wanderers manager helped guide the WNT to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-offs, where they will face Kazakhstan in October. Cronin was involved in six matches, including back-to-back wins over Poland and a historic victory against the Netherlands.
Why it matters for Bray Wanderers
Cronin’s departure comes at a time when Bray Wanderers are in strong form, with four wins in their last five matches. Their most recent result was a 4-0 loss to Kerry on July 31, but they remain in contention for promotion. The Seagulls have scored 48 goals this season while conceding 35, giving them a +13 goal difference. Cronin’s experience at the club could have been valuable, but his focus now shifts to new opportunities.
What comes next?
The FAI has already begun the process of appointing a new assistant coach for the WNT. Meanwhile, Bray Wanderers will look to continue their strong season as they prepare to face Wexford away on August 3. The Seagulls are currently on a run of four wins and one loss in their last five games, and they will be aiming to secure a positive result against the seventh-placed side.
