KATIE McCABE’S mood during Monday’s Ireland press conference was a far cry from the tense atmosphere around July’s pre-World Cup media briefing.
It’s common knowledge that the Irish skipper and the squad at large became disillusioned by the outside noise around Vera Pauw becoming the chief storyline around the camp.
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And that was never more evident than at the conclusion of the pair’s media dealing on July 5.
As everyone got up to leave the media room at FAI headquarters in Abbotstown, the Arsenal ace made a pointed remark into the mic.
Dripping with sarcasm, she said: “It’s been a pleasure talking about the World Cup, guys. Really appreciate it.”
The Girls in Green got their wish in the end with Pauw’s contract not renewed after that maiden appearance at a major international tournament.
But with that much-debated change comes increased scrutiny on McCabe and the rest of the players.
One can be sure that those who harbour a grudge against them for ‘ousting’ the Dutch coach will be very quick to lay into them if they don’t achieve success in future matches.
And the great unknown of the post-Pauw era begins on Saturday with an historic occasion.
The women’s team will line out at the Aviva Stadium for the first time – with 30k tickets already sold and hopes that it will be close to a sell-out.
Northern Ireland will be their opponents as they kick off their Nations League campaign before quickly departing for Hungary – whom they face three days later.
Speaking ahead of the cross-border clash, McCabe cut a noticeably more relaxed figure than the one we have become accustomed to seeing.
And she acknowledged the more serene build-up now that Eileen Gleeson has taken interim charge – flanked by other familiar faces in Emma Byrne and Colin Healy.
Speaking to IrishFootballFanTV, she joked this time around: “Thank you. You know what? It was lovely chatting about football!
“Sorry for being cranky in the French press conference! (after Ireland had lost their final World Cup warm-up fixture)”