Blow for Republic of Ireland as Julie-Ann Russell announces retirement

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.