Newly-found mental strength an added string to Ireland's bow 

PUSHING TO THE LIMIT: Manager Vera Pauw and Louise Quinn, left, during Ireland training ahead of the big game at Tallaght Stadium. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

This time around for Vera Pauw, the changeover from summer to autumn isn’t dimming the brightness.

Twelve months ago, the Dutchwoman was fielding questions about her abysmal record of seven successive losses and a player not part of her squad.