NewsNiamh Fahey announces retirement from international football

The centre-back calls time on a career for her country that spanned 17 years and included 115 caps at senior level – the fifth-highest figure for an Irish women’s player.

After debuting in March 2007, Fahey achieved the milestone of a century of international games in 2022 and subsequently featured at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

A three-time FAI Senior Women’s International Player of the Year, she also scored once for Ireland – away at Georgia in the summer of 2022.

“After 17 years in green, from my debut to cap 115 for the Ireland women’s national team, I have been on a journey beyond expectation and it has been a huge source of immense motivation, privilege and pride,” said Fahey.

“A sincere thank you to all the people who have been on the journey with me and helped me in so many aspects; friends, neighbours, teachers, coaches, colleagues, managers, teammates, fans and many more! Your support, investment, passion and belief has pushed and inspired me in every way possible.

“To my family, who have been a core support and sounding board throughout, I would not have achieved what I have without you. I can’t thank you enough for everything, especially my parents Marjorie and Richard.

“There have been countless highs and lows, but the feeling of elation and satisfaction en route to qualifying and representing our country on the world stage at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 will live long in the memory.

“I look forward to watching and supporting the team and the future generations to come in what is only the continuation of more memorable moments at the highest level for our women’s national team.

“Go raibh míle maith agat [thank you very much].”