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Julie-Ann Russell poses for a portrait during a Republic of Ireland women’s media day at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin.Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
But in doing so, she also showed home-based players that it is still possible to get into an Ireland team even as the women’s game becomes more professional.
That the likes of Championship Player of the Month Lucy Quinn of Birmingham and Champions League regular Saoirse Noonan of Celtic are absent from this week’s squad to face Georgia highlights the strength in depth.
Yet Russell, 33, is still among Gleeson’s 26-strong panel despite playing part-time with Galway United as she balances a full-time job and family.
And Russell puts it down to her own dedication and professionalism, which she believes is needed to make the Ireland squad while at home.
She said: “I suppose previous to that return I had 60 caps for Ireland so I knew it was in me. And coming back from Rosie, I’ve probably been the fittest and strongest I’ve ever been.
“I knew myself that I could get to that level and then I suppose it was about getting that opportunity.
“I think you need to be training like a pro and looking after yourself. I look after myself like I’m a professional.
“I train twice a day, I’m super into my nutrition, into my sleep, I’m trying to get as much sleep as I can with Rosie. You need to have that mindset as well.
“I would train in the evenings with Galway United and then for me I actually do CrossFit. I’d be doing that at lunchtime, because I obviously work full-time.
“They would be doing stuff for me that would help me in my game and then I’d be doing my own football sessions as well.
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“I don’t think everyone in the league might be able to get to that standard, but I think the clubs are progressing.
“There still is that gap, don’t get me wrong, and you need to be living like a pro to get there. So it is there for some people, but for other people, not.”
Russell may be an outlier in that sense – she also ran the New York Marathon last year just four months after Rosie was born.
She revealed: “I’d never done a marathon before. I did three hours and 48 minutes. I’ll definitely do it again. I loved the training for it and the whole day.
“In America, they’re so OTT with support. From start to finish, it was class. It was a really good experience and I’ll definitely do more in the future.
“I’ve always been super into fitness and looking after myself, but I suppose since coming back (from the birth of Rosie) it’s even probably more.
“I was on maternity leave and I just wanted to get back to myself and feel good. I think it’s just really good mentally when you are eating well and training well.
“So I am in a good frame of mind and I think it’s just nice to see, not even sportspeople but women getting back to themselves and not just looking after the child, they are looking after themselves as well.”
FAMILY MATTERS
Russell is in the squad this week and will likely start against Georgia in Friday’s Euro 2025 play-off semi-final first leg in Tbilisi following her contribution in July when she scored against both England and France.
But the trip to the far side of the continent also means being away for her daughter, though Rosie will stay with her in Dublin at the weekend ahead of next Tuesday’s second leg in Tallaght.
Russell said: “It would have been too much for her little body, three hour time zone difference and a long flight. And she’s running around now as well.
“This will be the longest away I’ve been since the England game. That was three days. I’ll miss her. I can’t wait for Saturday to see her again.
“It is challenging but I’ve a really good support system at home. Normal routine is a child minder all week and Ciaran (Russell’s husband) will come up on Saturday.
“It’s such an honour to play for your country, and not many people can do it. And for her, when she is older looking back, it will be special to know her mother played for Ireland.
“It’s not a lifetime away from her, it’s only six days this week. I was cherishing every moment.
“And now playing is just for fun. I don’t have that weight on the shoulders that other people may have. I’m just excited.”
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Publish date : 2024-10-21 04:11:00
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