FAI chief executive John Delaney has revealed the 'hurt' over the past week fired up Steve Staunton.
Under pressure going into last night's Euro 2008 qualifier with the Czech Republic at Lansdowne Road, the Ireland manager's makeshift side delivered a performance of passion and promise.
The difference to the diabolical display that resulted in the 5-2 defeat to Cyprus on Saturday was as marked as chalk and cheese.
In the wake of that, Staunton's future was brought sharply into focus, and there was the suggestion prior to kick-off he might quit if there was a repeat of the nightmare in Nicosia.
Instead, despite being without 14 players, Staunton and his side restored lost pride to enthuse the fans who lifted the rafters off the famous old Dublin venue, producing an atmosphere to remember.
The players responded, and although the Republic were held to a 1-1 draw, the speculation surrounding Staunton has been laid to rest.
Delaney, criticised himself ahead of the game for prevaricating on Staunton's future when pointedly asked, shrugged off the comments - as Staunton was forced to do.
'Of course, you are aware of what has been written, but you have to show inner strength and character,' said Delaney.
'One of the things I have always learned in life is that when it comes to failure, it's not about the falling down, it's about the getting back up again.
'You are tested most when you are under pressure, as opposed to when you are not under pressure, so I'm happy for Steve, happy for the players and happy for the backroom staff.
'Everybody is in this together, and everybody has been hurting this week. Before I became chief executive, I was supportive of the team. I was there in '88, in '90 '94 and 2002. I've not missed a game when we have qualified for a tournament.
'I've travelled all over, so if losing 5-2 to Cyprus didn't hurt me, then people have to think again. It hurt me, it hurt Steve, it hurt the players, but I'm thrilled because we got the reaction and performance we were looking for.'
As the man who appointed Staunton, Delaney was also believed to be under pressure and with his position on the line. Delaney, though, concedes his own role comes down to more than the results of the senior international team.
'Every day of my life I feel under pressure because my job is a difficult one in trying to develop football in this country,' reflected Delaney.
'We've played 140 internationals (across all age levels) this year, and I want Ireland to win every one of those, although I appreciate it's not possible.
'But the one thing I know is that I've a huge amount of support personally within the game. That comes from the difference we've made in the last couple of years because we've done very well in developing the game.
'You cannot judge the development of our game based on simple things as whether or not we lose a match. It's about continuous improvement, and we will always challenge ourselves to do that. We are committed to developing the game.
'What we have to do over the next few years is to ensure we give ourselves the best opportunity to produce our best players. That is my job.'
It is why Delaney is looking to the future, rather than the recent past as the Group D draw against the Czechs ended a run of four successive defeats.
For Delaney, there is the hope last night was a platform on which Staunton can build. 'It was a poor performance in Cyprus, and we have to accept that,' added Delaney.
'This result was at least helpful in repairing the damage, and we were unlucky not to win. We created plenty of chances, and it is incredible to say we did it without 14 of the squad we would normally have.
'Let's not be silly about it, that Czech Republic team is a good side, ranked seventh in the world, but we more than matched them, not only in terms of commitment, but ability.
'Everybody should be proud of the performance, but we have to move on. It's gone, and now it's about improving going into the next match with San Marino in November.'
