Ireland's Niamh Fahey has announced her retirement from the Irish national team after 17 years and over 100 caps for her country.
The Galway native played 115 times for the Girls in Green since making her debut in 2007 and was also part of an Irish side that made it to their first-ever Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
Fahey scored one goal for Ireland, which came in 2022, the same year she won the FAI Senior Women's International Player of the Year. She also won this award on two other occasions while playing for Ireland.
Her last game for Ireland came in the playoff defeat to Wales last November.
A video was released on social media with a montage of Fahey's best moments. The video featured the centurion's voice, and in it, she initially said that it was an honour and a privilege to have worn the Irish jersey.
"It's been a massive privilege to wear the green jersey for the many years that I have. Although I'm sad to say goodbye, I feel so honoured to have had the chance to put on that jersey as many times as I have. It's always been a huge source of pride and motivation for me to play and compete for Ireland on the international stage," said Fahey.
Fahey also explained further in the video that her highlight was making it to the 2023 World Cup with the rest of the squad.
A message from Niamh Fahey…
17 years, 115 international caps, and a journey filled with treasured memories 🥹☘️
Thanks for everything you’ve accomplished in Green, Fahey! 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/V0nN8zDiNV— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) January 9, 2025
"Over the years, we have accomplished so much as a national team, but the highlight for me is definitely the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Our first-ever tournament, representing our country at a World Cup—I don't think it gets much bigger than that. The support we receive from Irish fans at every game, across the world, is something truly special. It's an incredible feeling to be Irish and to know that no matter where you are in the world, there will always be a green jersey supporting you and cheering you on."
The 37-year-old also went on to thank a number of parties who had been part of her journey but gave special mention to her family, particularly her parents.
"There are so many people who have been part of my journey, and I can't name everyone or thank them enough. However, the biggest influence throughout my career has been my family—my brothers, my sister, and all my extended family. But the two people who have been there every step of the way are my parents, Marjorie and Richard. Without their support, through both the good times and the bad, I wouldn't be where I am today. They've been my rock, and I can't thank them enough."
Fahey ended the video by claiming she was proud, satisfied, and happy with her Irish tenure and that she would miss the Irish team she was leaving behind.
"Reflecting on it all, I just feel proud, satisfied, and happy—those are probably the three words that best sum it up. There are so many things I’m going to miss, but I think singing Amhrán na bhFiann before a game is probably the thing I’ll miss the most. I'll miss all the girls massively. But as a country and a national team, we're in a very good place. I’m very proud of my journey and satisfied with the effort and years I’ve dedicated to playing for my country."
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