New Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward has been shorn of more experience after Galway United's Julie-Ann Russell announced her retirement from the game.
Russell was one of the bright spots of Ireland's ultimately doomed Euro 2025 campaign, coming back into the fold under Eileen Gleeson last summer and making an immediate impression.
She scored off the bench in the 2-1 Euros qualifier loss to England at Carrow Road, and then hit the net against France in a memorable 3-1 victory at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The presence of her baby daughter Rosie lifted the camp off the field, with Russell's pace and energy adding to the dynamism of the team. She chipped in with another goal in the comfortable play-off semi-final win against Georgia.
Julie-Ann Russell gives Ireland an early lead. It looks as if the Georgians are in for a long night at Tallaght Stadium.
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 29, 2024
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Ireland's bitterly disappointing play-off final loss to Wales led to Gleeson's departure, with the subsequent retirements of Niamh Fahey and Diane Caldwell no huge shock. Russell's decision is more of a surprise however.
Russell, who turns 34 in March, steps away from club and international football after a long and highly successful career.
"After 24 incredible years, the time has come to step away from football," she said.
"The game has been a central part of my life, providing unforgettable memories and opportunities that I will never forget.
"There are so many people who have had such a positive influence on my career - family, teammates, coaches, managers, volunteers and fans. It would be impossible to name everyone, but please know that I sincerely appreciate everything you've done to help me live my dream.
"While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, I’m excited for the next chapter and will forever cherish the memories football has given me."
After initially breaking through at Salthill Devon, the attacker went on to excel in college football with University of Limerick and UCD before enjoying spells in USA (Los Angeles Strikers), England (Doncaster Rovers Belles) and Australia (Sydney University, Western Sydney Wanderers) in between stints playing in Ireland.
Twice selected as SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Player of the Year (2014 and 2024), Russell was also named in the Team of the Season on three occasions.
She was part of the league-winning Peamount United squad in 2012 and helped UCD Waves finish as runners-up in 2015 before ending her career with her hometown club, Galway United.
At international level, Russell made her senior Ireland debut in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier away to Kazakhstan in October 2009.
Russell scored the first of her seven senior goals in an Algarve Cup victory over Hungary in March 2012 before going on to score against Israel, Slovakia, Slovenia, England, France and Georgia.
Voted as FAI Senior Women’s Player of the Year in 2014, Russell was a regular in squads up to 2020 when she then missed four years of international football after moving to Australia.
She made her return to the Ireland set-up last July for the England and France matches, almost instantly establishing herself as a key figure in the side.
Her decision to walk away is a blow to Ward as she prepares to name her first squad for February's Nations League games against Turkey and Slovenia.
