Niamh Fahey has announced her retirement from international football following 17 years with the Ireland Women’s National Team (WNT).

Hailing from Rosscahill, Galway, Fahey ends her international career as Ireland’s fifth most-capped women’s senior player following 115 appearances.

After representing Ireland at Under-15, U16, U17 and U19 level, she made her senior debut against Portugal in an Algarve Cup game in March 2007. She scored her first, and only goal, on her 104th appearance away to Georgia in June 2022 and is a three-time winner of the FAI Senior Women's International Player of the Year.

Fahey, who made her 100th appearance against Poland in February 2022, featured for the WNT in all three of their games at the 2023 FIFA World Cup.

Upon announcing her retirement, Fahey said: "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. 

"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, team-mates, 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."

FAI Chief Football Officer Marc Canham paid tribute by saying: “Niamh was a superb player, leader and role model throughout her international career with Ireland and she leaves behind a legacy as one of the best to ever play for the Women’s National Team. As much as she helped the team as a player, she also made a significant impact in the growth of women and girls’ football in Ireland and we will be forever grateful for all that she has done.”

FAI President Paul Cooke congratulated Fahey by saying: “On behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, I’d like to congratulate Niamh on her outstanding international career and thank her for the 17 years of dedication in representing her country. Niamh will be remembered for being an excellent player and showed that in 115 appearances for Ireland. We wish Niamh well for the future and will honour her at an upcoming game.”