Republic of Ireland interim manager Eileen Gleeson paid tribute to "the ultimate professional" Stephen Kenny after her fellow Dubliner's reign as men's boss ended on Wednesday evening.
The curtain came down on Kenny's three-and-half-year reign in the wake of another disappointing qualification campaign.
And Gleeson, who named her squad today for the upcoming Nations League double-header, took the opportunity to give Kenny his dues.
"I think Stephen is the ultimate professional, he is super passionate about Ireland," she said.
"I'm sad to see Stephen go. He did a lot for Irish football and I'm sure he'll continue to do so. For me it's a sad day. I’ve the utmost respect for Stephen. I think he’s wholly dedicated to Ireland and you can’t ask for much more."
Ireland face Hungary in Tallaght tomorrow week and then travel to Belfast to take on Northern Ireland at Windsor Park the following Tuesday. They've already won the group to secure promotion to League A, with Gleeson's desire to blood more fresh faces evident in the inclusion of Peamount United's Ellen Dolan in the squad. Amber Barrett, Niamh Fahey and Leanne Kiernan are among the more senior players to miss out.
The area of most intrigue around the team right now is the small matter of Vera Pauw's permanent successor.
The FAI drew up a list of 12 candidates in October and have been whittling that down ever since. Gleeson has previously said it's her intention to return to her role as head of women's and girls' football once the Nations League is done and dusted, and was loathe to entertain the possibility she may have changed her mind.
"We've an opportunity to transition young talent through so that’s really exciting for me."
"I'm not even going to answer it!" she said when asked if she's potentially still in the running.
"I can tell you before you even waste your breath. Look, the process is ongoing as I say every time I come in here. [FAI director of football] Marc Canham is leading that process so I'm sure when the time is ready Marc will make that announcement.
"Like I said, the full focus is on the two games coming up. I've answered this question. It’s not for today. Today is really around the squad announcement.
"It's been great," she added when reflecting on her time at the helm. "We’re super happy, we’ve got promotion now to League A and we’ve got two games coming up. We’ve an opportunity to transition young talent through so that’s really exciting for me. I think the girls have been brilliant.
On the squad itself, Gleeson talked up the inclusion of excellent 17-year-old attacker Dolan. Post-World Cup, Ireland have been keen to bring down the age profile of the squad with an eye on the next two major tournaments. It means fledgling talents like Dolan, Jessie Stapleton and Erin McLaughlin will be given every opportunity to shine.
"Brilliant, brilliant," she replied when asked about the Peas attacker.
"Ellen has had a great year. She’s done well in with the Under-19s as well so for us it’s a great opportunity to bring a young player in and expose her to the senior team environment, give her that experience, let her have a real feel for it and let us enjoy her youth and young talent coming through as well.
"Jessie, she’s also only 18, we've got Abbie [Larkin] who is 18 and Ellen who is 17. The future is really bright. We’ve got these players coming through who for me as a manager and who has always been involved in Irish football, it’s super exciting to give those young players the opportunity. They’ve earned it, Jessie, Abbie, Ellen, they are the future.
"They’re the players we want to see in 2025 and in the next World Cup. It’s nice for us to be able to give them the exposure during this campaign as well."
