The captain is hanging up her boots at the end of the season.
In another potential shake up for the Women’s branch of the club, captain Niamh Fahey announced on Friday that she will be retiring from football at the end of the season.
She will say her farewell to the home fans at the upcoming Merseyside Derby at Anfield on Sunday May 4, and her last match will be against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on May 10, the last match of the season for the Red Women.
Fahey joined Liverpool, her lifelong favorite club, in 2018 after time spent at Arsenal and Bordeaux. She won a domestic treble with Arsenal in her first year at the club and would go on to add five more Women’s FA Cups and three more Women’s Super Leagues in her time in London.
The captain now ranks fourth in all time appearances for the Reds at 123, with Gemma Bonner, Ashley Hodson, and Taylor Hinds ahead of her respectively. She has spent the last five years with the captain’s armband, helping to lift the Women’s Championship title and ensure promotion to the WSL in 2022, and securing Liverpool’s rightful spot in the top flight.
Internationally, Fahey has represented her home country of Republic of Ireland with 115 caps, including the team’s first major tournament appearance in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. She hung up that cap earlier in the season.
“It’s hard to summarise into words the emotions that I feel as I’m retiring. There are probably too many,” Fahey said in her farewell message.
“All I can say is how fortunate I feel for the career I’ve had and being able to finish it all off at my girlhood club, Liverpool FC.
“I’m so grateful for all the wonderful people I’ve met, shared a dressing room with and to those who have supported me throughout it all. There are too many people to thank individually, but I think you will all know who you are!
“My time at Liverpool has been a roller coaster for sure! From some real lows to some unforgettable highs. Ultimately, I feel so proud of the last seven years, the journey we’ve been on and for me personally being able to pull on the red shirt, captain the team and wear the Liver bird on my chest. I have never taken it for granted and it has been a dream to play for this club.
“To the fans, you have been the life force behind everything, especially helping to bring the club back to a competitive place in the WSL.
“I can’t thank you all enough for the unwavering support, in good times and bad, and the memories we’ve shared along the way. It’s been unforgettable.”
Fahey goes on to say goodbye to her second home and adopted city, expressing her love for the club, the fans, and the city itself.
“I knew Liverpool only from afar as a lifelong supporter but after living in this city and interacting with the people, I now know how truly special a place Liverpool is and it has felt like my home,” the captain continued.
“I hope you know I gave my absolute all for you and the club while representing the shirt.
“I’ve been lucky enough to meet incredible people such as Margaret Aspinall, listened to her story and words of inspiration to ‘never ever give up’, even in the darkest times. The people of this city don’t and this team never will.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds for the women’s team and I will be there supporting the girls from afar as a fan again. I know bigger and better things are in store and exciting times are on the horizon.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking me in and making me feel every emotion possible. It has been surreal.”
Niamh has truly given her all for the club that has held her heart her whole life. She deserves this retirement and will always be welcome back in the stands.