 Born in Killorglin, County Kerry in 1977, Russell was educated at Scoil Mhuire national school before later attending the Intermediate School in Killorglin.It was here that Russell's football skills were first developed and he became a key member of the school's senior team.In 1996 he captured a Corn Uí Mhuirí winners' medal as the Killorglin school captured the Munster colleges' title.