They have been busily engaged in sourcing the successor since, retaining a recruitment company to assist, and it’s believed the decision is imminent as they whittle down the candidates.

Eileen Gleeson was adamant from the start of her caretaker residency that her eyes were firmly on resuming the head of women’s and girls’ football role she was recruited for last year.

Were her team to win both games of this double-header, she would be the only Ireland manager to record six victories in a row.

Other contenders have been sounded out. They range from club bosses to a few with international experience.

South Korea manager Colin Bell, who Pauw followed in 2019, has spoken publicly about his desire to complete unfinished business.

While Canham spearheading the hunt, he has enlisted a couple of board members in the spirit of objectivity.

Former Ireland goalkeeper Bonner returned to the FAI in 2021 as an independent director and Chairman of the International and High-Performance committee. His views are also integral to the parallel, but more recently launched, pursual of a men’s team manager.

O’Mahony represents the professional chamber on the board, the pillar of the FAI that principally caters for league of Ireland men and women clubs.

Player opinion on the ideal characteristics for a new manager was elicited this week. Denise O’Sullivan, centurion and midfield maestro, didn’t hesitate to lay out her wishlist.

“I think being a leader is number one,” she said.

“That’s massive; having someone you look up to and who brings your attention, draws you in.

“Outside of that, someone who brings a positive environment. I think once you create a good environment within the national team and gain the respect of everyone, the team will push on.

“Whatever coach or whatever is going on, we haven’t spoken about it as a team or squad.

“I didn’t care it they’re male or female. I can’t speak for the other girls but personally for me, I don’t mind where they come from, so long as they bring the energy and are a good leader.” 

Her fellow Corkwoman preferred to place the onus of performance on the players.

“I’ve had good relationships with Sue (Ronan), Colin (Bell) and Vera (Pauw) – never had issues. And I’m not too picky on a manager, to be honest. It’s very hard as a player to set out your criteria for a manager when you as a player need to be performing.

“It’s the FAI’s job to employ someone. We’ve developed as a team under those managers very well and going into the next phase, it’s up to them to pick the right one and I think historically they haven’t done too badly.”