It is “frustrating” that Vera Pauw’s acrimonious departure has overshadowed the achievements of the Republic of Ireland’s women’s team, according to a former Cork City footballer.

Earlier this week, the FAI opted not to renew Pauw’s contract as Ireland manager, despite her achievement in leading the team to its first-ever World Cup.

Pauw has spoken openly about her desire to continue in the role; however, after some of the Ireland players failed to publicly give her their support, the FAI has opted to part ways with the Dutchwoman after four years.

Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw talks to her players. Image: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Yesterday, Pauw accused the FAI of “major mistakes” during the World Cup and said it had also reneged on a verbal undertaking that her contract would be renewed.

"My position became very challenging when executives in the FAI, not technical football coaches, effectively took my seat and spoke to staff members and players regarding their roles in the team before and after the World Cup,” she said in a statement.

"My advice - coming from my knowledge and experience - was often disregarded and not respected.

“In my opinion, no head coach in the world would accept interference of the executives in technical football affairs.”

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, former Cork City footballer Valerie Mulcahy said the acrimony risked distracting from the team’s recent successes.

“It’s frustrating because can they not just be applauded for their merits and on what they have achieved?” she said.

“It does always seem to be clouded by different things - especially for this Irish team.

“Which is unfortunate and I imagine must be annoying for players because they’ve performed exceptionally well.”

Mulachy added that, if the FAI had promised verbally to renew Ms Pauw’s contract then, “that should be upheld, but I would have thought it would have been better to make the decision post-World Cup.”

The FAI has been contacted for comment.

You can listen back here:

Main image: Vera Pauw before the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 qualifying group A match between Republic of Ireland and Slovakia at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile