"The Football Association of Ireland announces that Mick McCarthy is to be succeeded as national team manager by Stephen Kenny with immediate effect," read the FAI statement released on Saturday.
"The handover has been agreed with both men in light of the delay to the European Championship play-offs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Mick's contract was due to expire on 31 July after the Euro 2020 finals, with Stephen initially scheduled to step up from his Under-21 role on 1 August.
"This move allows Stephen time to plan for the European Championship play-off semi-final against Slovakia later in the year."
The former Dundalk manager's first match in charge will be the Republic's European Championships play-off semi-final against Slovakia.
Originally scheduled for 26 March, it was this week postponed "until further notice" because of the coronavirus pandemic, having earlier been pushed back to June.
Uefa's announcement on the further postponement of the play-offs encouraged the FAI to revise its plan to have Kenny succeed McCarthy after Euro 2020.
"The handover has been agreed with both men in light of the delay to the European Championship play-offs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Mick's contract was due to expire on 31 July after the Euro 2020 finals, with Stephen initially scheduled to step up from his Under-21 role on 1 August.
"This move allows Stephen time to plan for the European Championship play-off semi-final against Slovakia later in the year."
The former Dundalk manager's first match in charge will be the Republic's European Championships play-off semi-final against Slovakia.
Originally scheduled for 26 March, it was this week postponed "until further notice" because of the coronavirus pandemic, having earlier been pushed back to June.
Uefa's announcement on the further postponement of the play-offs encouraged the FAI to revise its plan to have Kenny succeed McCarthy after Euro 2020.
Gary Owens, the FAI interim chief executive, said: "This has been a difficult situation for the association - and for Mick and Stephen in particular - in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on the football calendar.
"On behalf of president Gerry McAnaney, the board of the FAI and myself, I want to thank both men for their professionalism and their understanding in their dealings with the Association in these unprecedented circumstances.
"These are exceptional times in Irish life and Mick has taken that into account in agreeing to vacate the post early.
"On behalf of the FAI, I wish to express our gratitude to Mick for his service and commitment to our national team throughout his career and particularly in his second spell as Ireland manager.
"On behalf of president Gerry McAnaney, the board of the FAI and myself, I want to thank both men for their professionalism and their understanding in their dealings with the Association in these unprecedented circumstances.
"These are exceptional times in Irish life and Mick has taken that into account in agreeing to vacate the post early.
"On behalf of the FAI, I wish to express our gratitude to Mick for his service and commitment to our national team throughout his career and particularly in his second spell as Ireland manager.
