Noel King has been appointed manager of the Irish senior women's team. He replaces Mick Cooke who was in the job for a number of years before stepping down earlier in the year due to pressure of time.

King has experience of management at numerous levels. He was in charge of the Ireland Youth team in the Eighties and also had stints at Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, Limerick and junior side Crumlin United.

Irish women's football has been left in a very healthy state by Mick Cooke and, with the ever expanding interest of girls from all over the country, it can get only better.

Cooke managed the Irish women's teams at the three levels at which they compete - but the FAI decided to appoint three different managers when Cooke stepped down.

Susan Ronan takes charge of the u18 side while Marie Price Bolger has responsibility for the u16s. It will be their job to train the youngsters in the fundamentals of the game and prepare them for the step-up to senior international football.

Girls come through much quicker than boys and any player that shows that they have the skill and dedication can make a swift dart through the ranks. The three new appointments should work hand in hand to achieve this goal.