Julie-Ann Russell retires from football
Julie-Ann Russell has announced her retirement from football.
During the past two seasons, Russell has starred for Galway United and the Republic of Ireland. The Moycullen native has been a significant influence for United since entering the League of Ireland in 2023, and her dynamic displays will be fondly remembered. She has been an inspiration for thousands and has left a huge legacy in Irish football over the past two decades.
Russell has forged a distinguished sporting career. “After 24 incredible years, the time has come to step away from football“ Russell says.
“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.”
Galway United senior women’s team manager Phil Trill highlighted Russell’s sterling contribution.
“We’d like to congratulate Julie-Ann on an absolutely amazing career, she gave us so many highs as a football community in Galway,” Trill says.
“I’m very privileged to have worked with her for the last number of years and can see why she will leave such a legacy.
We’re very proud, as Galway United, to have her play with us in the club, and also to lift a trophy with us in Tallaght last year. That was very special.
Then, to see her at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last year, putting on a show, that was just incredible, and it is something we’re very proud of.
She is a trailblazer for young girls in Ireland, a real role model, a top level professional all the way through, and just a great person. We wish her all the best, and we know she won’t be far away.”
Julie-Ann has been an inspiration and we would like to wish her the best of luck in her retirement. Let’s take a look back on some of her most memorable moments below:
A really inspiring interview with Julie-Ann Russell, even baby Rosie gets in on the act towards the end! 🎙❤️#ItsATribalThing | #UnitedAsOne | #GUFC pic.twitter.com/8NkPGzsbXm
— Gaillimh Aontaithe 🇱🇻 (@GalwayUnitedFC) July 16, 2024
An iconic interview featuring a cameo from Julie-Ann’s daughter, Rosie.
🇮🇪 2-0 🇫🇷
Julie-Ann Russell doubles Ireland’s lead with a superb finish
📺 Live on @RTE2 and @RTEPlayer #WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/PaKvX9PgKC— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 16, 2024
Julie-Ann scoring against France with a fantastic goal to continue her form on the big stage.
𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗝𝗨𝗟𝗜𝗘-𝗔𝗡𝗡! 🇱🇻 🇮🇪
We welcomed Julie-Ann Russell back into training this evening after her phenomenal performance in the latest Irish Internationals.
📸: @StephenNPhotos #ItsATribalThing | #UnitedAsOne | @IrelandFootball | #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/80jllTg0HG
— Gaillimh Aontaithe 🇱🇻 (@GalwayUnitedFC) July 18, 2024
Julie-Ann is welcomed back by our Senior Women’s team after her stellar week with the national team.
At Home with Julie-Ann Russell and Rosie 🏠#COYGIG pic.twitter.com/CDAlFZn6mo
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) October 22, 2024
A feature video by Ireland Football, focusing on the Moycullen native.
@Juuulie_Ann ‘s goal against England in the UEFA Euro’s Qualifiers ❤️🇮🇪#ItsATribalThing pic.twitter.com/Y6NsHBSc0Y
— Gaillimh Aontaithe 🇱🇻 (@GalwayUnitedFC) July 12, 2024
A Galway United star scoring against England at senior level, an iconic moment in Julie-Ann’s career.
Happy #MothersDay to all the mammies out there ❤️
Pictured below is Senior Women’s player, Julie-Ann Russell with her daughter, 8 month old Rosie 👶#ItsATribalThing | #UnitedAsOne | @sportsfile pic.twitter.com/xMXHpCZQoP
— Gaillimh Aontaithe 🇱🇻 (@GalwayUnitedFC) March 10, 2024
Happy Mother’s day from Galway United
Julie-Ann Russell gives Ireland an early lead. It looks as if the Georgians are in for a long night at Tallaght Stadium.
📺 Watch: https://t.co/uHRfiPJEjQ
📱 Follow: https://t.co/QacRAVBzfj pic.twitter.com/MiVa2fPyxh— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 29, 2024
There was no letting up from Russell as she continued her goalscoring form internationally.
✍️: United are thrilled to announce the signing of Ireland International Julie-Ann Russell, a huge boost ahead of Saturday’s game against Cork City
READ MORE ➡️: https://t.co/avk6mErNa4#ItsATribalThing | #UnitedAsOne pic.twitter.com/GESyk6QYBH
— Gaillimh Aontaithe 🇱🇻 (@GalwayUnitedFC) August 17, 2023
The day Julie-Ann Russell joined Galway United, in the summer of 2023.
🏆 @Juuulie_Ann officially voted the best player in the @LoiWomen by her peers at the @PFAIOfficial 👏
What a player, and what a season 🩷#ItsATribalThing | #UnitedAsOne | Player Sponsor: @GalwayBayPhysio pic.twitter.com/qTY2ZxXNit
— Gaillimh Aontaithe 🇱🇻 (@GalwayUnitedFC) November 23, 2024
One of the last few things Julie-Ann done in her career was win the PFAI LOIW Player of the Year to cap off a great season.