Niamh Fahey: ‘I’ve managed to make 99 caps so far but the biggest thing is not being at a major tournament, and that’s something that I want to happen’

Republic of Ireland defender Niamh Fahey on Wednesday against Poland will make her 100^th international appearance.

The Liverpool skipper will become just the fourth Irish woman to make it to a century of caps and while admitting she is rightly proud to reach this benchmark Fahey is still very much focused on what is to come – looking to help the girls in green qualify for their first major tournament at senior level.

“It’s an amazing thing to be on the verge of doing it, but it’s also a bit of a distraction,” said Fahey about her upcoming appearance landmark when she spoke with the media from the Ireland training camp in Spain on Tuesday.

“One of the biggest things is not having made the step to a major finals,” said Fahey when she reflected on her career to date. “I’ve managed to make 99 caps so far but the biggest thing is not being at a major tournament, and that’s something that I want to happen. Hopefully that will happen this campaign.”

Vera Pauw’s team are second in their 2023 World Cup group at the half way point in qualification and face table toppers Sweden in Gothenburg in April. Runners up spot from each of the nine groups earn a place in the convoluted UEFA play-offs with two places available (plus a further one available via an inter-confederation play-off).

“We’re obviously in a tough group. We’ve put ourselves in a strong position and we've tough games coming up but I’m very confident that we can do it and we can finally get across the line.

“It would be the pinnacle of my career if I was able to be part of it and get us to a finals and create history. It would mean absolutely everything.”

The Ireland squad has an exciting mix of experienced players and youth in Spain where they will play three games over the next week. 

Fahey is set to join her teammate Áine O’Gorman in making 100 appearances (the Wicklow native is on 111 caps), Louise Quinn has 91 caps, Denise O’Sullivan on 89 and Diane Caldwell on 86. At the other end of the spectrum 17-year-old Ellen Molloy and uncapped 16-year-old Abbie Larkin are part of Pauw’s squad this week.

“We have a lot of leaders in this group. We have a lot of experience with the likes of Deniese, Diane and Louise. It is a really strong position for the team to have with so many senior leaders and young leaders in the group.

“I've seen a lot of these younger players like Abbie and Ellen who are coming through and their technical ability is outstanding for their age. The level has gone up a lot compared with where I was when I was a younger player. The future is really bright for Ireland.”

Fahey earned her first cap for Ireland 15 years ago. Early in her career she shared the dressing room with two players who went on to earn over 100 caps (Emma Byrne and Ciara Grant) and with Ireland’s record goalscorer Oliva O’Toole.

Fahey is now one of the experienced heads in the Ireland dressingroom and one that young players like Larkin, Molloy and Megan Walsh can look up to.

“I just remember being really nervous,” recalled the 34-year-old when speaking about her first cap. “I was excited with the anticipation, but I don’t really remember the first game and how it went [it was a 1-1 draw with Portugal in the Algarve Cup]. 

“When I came in I had fantastic players to look up to like Emma Byrne, Ciara Grant and Yvonne Tracy. I had strong role models as the other girls that were involved included the likes of Olivia O'Toole and Sharon Boyle. There was such strong characters and players then.” 

Chloe Mustaki called up for Ireland squad on eve of Pinatar Cup https://t.co/5zb388Nx8zpic.twitter.com/i0cY0vKeeF

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) February 15, 2022

Liverpool

At club level, Fahey is part of a cohort of Irish players with Liverpool who sit top of the table in the FA Women’s Championship (the second tier of English football).

“It is  great to have the girls [at Liverpool]. It is nice to have a few friendly faces around and a bit of craic. Leanne [Kiernan] is flying and getting better in every game. I'm so happy for her as she has had a tough couple of years with injury. 

“Megan [Campbell] as well is back flying fit. She has come back after Christmas and has had a great effect on us with assists and getting us over the line in a couple of games. She is a massive asset to have for Liverpool and the Irish team. We are going well and that is good for the national set up. “

Pauw names Ireland squad for Pinatar Cup as preparations for crunch World Cup qualifier continue https://t.co/u4VU83YxPwpic.twitter.com/MNY2uBJVk9

— Extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) February 11, 2022