The Republic of Ireland squad flew home today after another successful Winter Training Camp at La Manga.
By Gerry McDermott
Sue Ronan’s side packed five training sessions, fitness tests and a training match against World No.9 Norway into the week-long camp and UCD Waves midfielder Julie Ann Russell admitted it was an excellent exercise.
“It was brilliant,” said Russell. “It was really good to get back together again after a few months apart and we also had a few new faces, which was nice. They were excellent and it was not a massive step up for them. It was also great for team bonding and everybody really enjoyed the week,” said Russell.
There was quite a bit of excitement on Monday as the squad watched the Ballon d’Or ceremony from Zurich and cheered on their team-mate Stephanie Roche, as she went up against Colombia’s James Rodriguez and Netherlands Robin van Persie for the Puskás Award.
“It was phenomenal,” recalled Russell. “We all watched it together and we were all so excited. When her name was announced and her pictured appeared up on the screen in her Ireland jersey it was surreal. We were all devastated when she didn’t win but also very proud of her and she was a credit to herself and Ireland. It was great when she joined up with us the following day and got the 20 questions treatment, as we tried to find out all the gossip.”
Ireland played Norway in a training game on Thursday and although they lost 3-1 to a side that is heading to this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, Russell said they were pleased with how it went.
“I thought we performed really well. We were definitely well in the game during the first half and deserved to go in level at 1-1. We made a few changes in the second half and Megan Campbell had to go off injured but we more than held our own and had a few chances as well.”
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