Julie-Ann Russell’s last-minute goal at Carrow Road on Friday night was not enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat to England. However, she gave supporters something to cheer about, and manager Eileen Gleeson had words of praise for her. This young mother ended Ireland’s long goal drought in her first international appearance in four years.
‘To be honest, I never thought it would happen again,” said Russell, who had emigrated to Australia and transitioned to full-time work before giving birth last summer. Despite this, she stayed in shape, running the New York Marathon in 3:48 just five months later.
“Obviously I never officially retired, I just continued to play with Galway, just enjoying my football, being a mum, and enjoying life. Everything happens for a reason,” Russell told the Irish Independent.
“Motherhood changed my whole perspective. She’s my number one. I’m just kind of enjoying football now…You’re kind of playing with no weight on your shoulders.”
“When I got called in, I was shook. I was just so happy and then to make the matchday squad, I was absolutely buzzing. To get the call at halftime to come on, I couldn’t believe it. I said to Eileen coming on that I was going to do it for Rosie. To get that goal, I was so emotional, and I just can’t wait to see her tomorrow.”
Gleeson praised Russell’s work rate and fitness after the game.
“I [have known] Julie a very long time and I know her characteristics, and at the core of that is work rate. She works off the ball and never, ever gives up. That’s what you saw tonight.”
“As a story, she’s a young mother, she’s come back into the international scene after doing really well at her club in Galway. She is super fit.”
“When she was coming on, I told her to enjoy it. And she said ‘This is for Rosie.'”
