Julie-Ann Russell’s last-minute goal in Carrow Road Friday night wasn’t enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat to England, but she gave supporters something to cheer about (and manager Eileen Gleeson something to praise) anyway as the 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 — though she certainly 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, enjoying being a mum, and enjoying my 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 half time 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.'”