Russell opts out of Kerry fold
June 24, 2009

Kerry's Mike Frank Russell
Mike Frank Russell's glittering inter-county career with Kerry looks to be at an end following his withdrawal from Jack O'Connor's squad.
The 31-year-old Killorglin man, who along with Darragh O Se won five All-Ireland medals between 1997 and 2007, had become frustrated at his lack of appearances in recent seasons and will concentrate on his club Laune Rangers for the rest of the year. However, he is refusing to rule out a return to the Kingdom fold in 2010.
A clinical finisher off either foot, Russell first came to national prominence as a teenager in 1996 when he helped Laune Rangers to an All-Ireland club success. The following year, he came off the bench to score a crucial goal for Kerry in their All-Ireland semi-final victory over Cavan and they subsequently defeated Mayo in the final to end an 11-year wait for Sam Maguire Cup honours.
He was a central figure in Kerry's All-Ireland success against Galway in 2000, and won an All Star that year for his efforts. He also won All-Ireland medals in 2004, '06 and '07.
Russell also two All-Ireland under 21 medals with the Kingdom, and has the rare distinction of scooping a clean sweep of All-Ireland medals by the age of 21 - minor (1994), under 21 (1998) and senior with Kerry, All-Ireland club with Laune Rangers and All-Ireland colleges with Intermediate School, Killorglin.
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