Time for the football to do the talking as new Ireland era begins

As much as Irish football folk love a dose of controversy, the cloud that hung over Pauw’s future before and during the World Cup was a draining experience for all concerned

NEW ERA: Denise O'Sullivan during a Republic of Ireland women training session at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

A different form of noise will accompany the Ireland women’s team when they embark on a new era after four years under Vera Pauw.

Previous unfulfilled lofty aspirations on the turnouts ought to apply a health warning to the 38,000 prediction set by the FAI but whatever proportion show up for the lunchtime kick-off will make their presence felt at the national stadium.