For the winners a night of relief, for the losers a summer of pure torture , writes Brendan O’Brien.

Martin O’Neill emerged from conclave under the Shed End around about half-ten, 45 trying minutes after the 2-1 loss to Belarus, to share the ins and outs regarding his final 23-man squad and, true to form with the Ireland manager, there were a few surprises.

Nothing major, but surprises nonetheless.

Robbie Keane making it despite his calf injury was flagged earlier in the day what with some leeway present given the Uefa ruling that injured players may be removed from the squad and replaced by another up to a side’s opening game.

Keiren Westwood getting the nod was less expected. Superb all season for Sheffield Wednesday, he was preparing for a play-off final at Wembley when Ireland faced the Dutch last Friday and he didn’t feature in the qualifiers or again last night.

The Republic of Ireland squad for #EURO2016 has been announced! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/4WwmTRLOOF

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) May 31, 2016

David Forde, who had started the campaign as Ireland’s number one, was the man to make way. It was a bitter way for his campaign to end though he stayed around long enough to sign a ton of autographs for the local kids.

Respect for that.

📸 Former @CorkCityFC star David Meyler gets stuck in on his return to Turners Cross.. (0-1) #IRLBEL #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/X01qrMB8Pc

— FAIreland (@FAIreland) May 31, 2016

Westwood aside, the other big winner was another local, David Meyler, who got the nod despite a rather unconvincing performance on the night. The Hull City man’s ability to cover for the full-backs, as he did during the qualifiers, will have furthered his cause.

Forde aside, there was disappointment for Darron Gibson who started brightly in midfield here at Turner’s Cross before fading as the game went on, while Eunan O’Kane and Callum O’Dowda were others cut from the midfield band of brothers.

David McGoldrick appeared late on here after playing a large role against the Netherlands, but it wasn’t enough to push his claims. His Ipswich Town teammate Daryl Murphy did make it despite failing to avail of a gilt-edged chance to score a first international goal.

Bournemouth’s Harry Arter had already flown back to England before the game after injuring a thigh in training on the Monday while Kevin Doyle will have to remain on standby in Colorado having been told earlier this week by O’Neill to remain in the US rather than fly home.