Vera Pauw makes 'harsh decisions' in interests of balance

One by one, each of the 31 players were invited into a room occupied by Pauw and Tom Elmes. Several wept at their fate, some with joy, others in despair.

HARSH DECISIONS: Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw speaking to media, at the UCD Bowl. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

A river of tears in Belfield will soon subside to be succeeded by a rising tide towards Ireland’s World Cup odyssey.

Elite sport is ruthless in its execution; decisions dissected and delivered in an educational institution that teaches students of life’s vacillating spectrum.