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Julie-Ann Russell holding her baby Rosie after victory over France in Pรกirc Uรญ Chaomh. James Crombie/INPHO

'I need a few days to take it all in' - Russell beams after two goals in two games for Ireland

Julie-Ann Russell was one of three goal-scorers against France and also provided an assist on a memorable night.

REPUBLIC OF IRELANDโ€™S Julie-Ann Russell says she will need a few days to absorb the enormity of what she has achieved after scoring two goals in two crucial games for her country.

Russell was one of three goal-scorers for Eileen Gleesonโ€™s side as they ended their Euro 2025 qualifier group campaign with a 3-1 victory over France in Pรกirc Uรญ Chaoimh. The Galway United star also provided the assist for Irelandโ€™s opening goal by Denise Oโ€™Sullivan. Those contributions compliment her goal against England โ€” and Irelandโ€™s first of the campaign โ€” off the bench in what was her first taste of international football after a four-year break.

โ€œI actually have no words,โ€ she said after the France win. โ€œIt was an unbelievable game, the crowd were magnificent from start to finish.

โ€œWhat a turnout,โ€ she added referring to the 18,399 who attended the game which was the first womenโ€™s international held at the home of Cork GAA.

โ€œEveryone that played was brilliant, gave absolutely everything they had and it was lovely to give the crowd three goals and to end the campaign with a win. My dad is actually from Cork in Albert Road, he was beaming with joy and Iโ€™ve relations from Douglas so it was great to have them all here.โ€

Russellโ€™s goal was a brilliant piece of attacking play, getting on the end of a ball in over the top and cutting inside her marker before her shot into the far top corner. Some prior experience of playing in that position gave her the equipment to execute the move.

โ€œI used to play left-wing for years so dragged it back on my left and in the top corner it went.โ€

Russellโ€™s daughter Rosie, who was the star of the night after her motherโ€™s goal against England, was greeted with a loud cheer when she appeared pitchside in the arms of her father Kieran at full-time. She just turned one a few weeks ago, and has been welcomed as the โ€œcamp babyโ€ into the Ireland squad.

โ€œIt was really, really emotional,โ€ Russell continued. โ€œI never thought Iโ€™d be playing for Ireland again so to get that call from Eileen Gleeson was amazing. I canโ€™t really describe the feeling. And the to get minutes the last day, and then to start today, itโ€™s all been like a dream. I need a few days to reflect and take it all in.

โ€œIโ€™m actually back to work on Thursday and then back to the grind with Galway with a Cup semi against Wexford so training on Thursday night.โ€

Delighted Ireland manager Gleeson hailed Russellโ€™s second impressive Ireland performance in-a-row, paying particular attention to the endeavour she brings to the field.

โ€œYou couldnโ€™t write the story, could you? I mean, I love Julie, Iโ€™ve known Julie for years and her biggest thing is her work rate. Thatโ€™s what she brings and thatโ€™s what she gave us right to the end. She was double-pressing, she was chasing, she was still making the runs. Itโ€™s a really proud moment for her and her family and itโ€™s a really proud moment for us. And, of course, we get baby Rosie as well.โ€

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    Mute Kieran Coughlan
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    May 11th 2017, 8:55 PM

    League of Ireland clubs are like Pokรฉmon to Roddy.

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    Mute Chris Tobin
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    May 11th 2017, 8:44 PM

    Sweet lord will they ever learn

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    Mute Sean Scanlon
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    May 11th 2017, 9:17 PM

    What were the odds?

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    May 11th 2017, 8:55 PM

    The rod squad is back!!

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    May 11th 2017, 10:06 PM

    You can count on 3 things. Taxes, death and Roddy Collins getting a job in the LOI.

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    Mute Marcas ร“ Callanรกin
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    May 11th 2017, 9:12 PM

    A match made in heaven

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    Mute IrishOwl
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    May 11th 2017, 9:34 PM

    Why do people keep giving this mouthpiece managerial jobs !!! Heโ€™s absolutely brutal.
    RIP Athlone Town

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    Mute billy Dorney
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    May 11th 2017, 8:52 PM

    Hope they comments on good, irrespective who manages

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    May 11th 2017, 8:53 PM

    @billy Dorney: sorry, meant to say,hope they come on good, irrespective who manages

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    May 12th 2017, 3:57 AM

    This fella would Give Panadol a Headache

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    May 12th 2017, 7:20 AM

    Thought he was getting Dundalk jobโ€ฆ.

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