Retired Russell in the mix to be crowned player of the year
Former Ireland striker Julie-Ann Russell, who retired from football recently, has been nominated for two gongs in the FAI International Awards.
The Galway native is up against her ex-teammates Anna Patten and Kyra Carusa for the senior women's player of the year while she has also been shortlisted for Goal of the Year for her stunning strike against France in Páirc Uí Chaoimh last July.
Russell will vie with Robbie Brady for Goal of the Year as the veteran left-back's winning goal in Helsinki was also nominated as was Evan Ferguson's finish against Bulgaria in March's Nations League promotion-relegation play-off second leg at Aviva Stadium. Julie-Ann Russell. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Brady is also in contention for senior men's player of the year, going up against Caoimhín Kelleher and Nathan Collins.
Meanwhile, Abbie Larkin, Jessie Stapleton and Tyler Toland are up for the Women's young player award, with Finn Azaz, Festy Ebosele and Jake O'Brien vying for the men's category.
Taking in performances from June 2024 to May 2025, the eventual award winners will be presented with their trophies at Aviva Stadium ahead of the men's friendly between Ireland and Senegal on Friday, 6 June.
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