Niamh Fahey: 'For me, pressure is a privilege, something everyone is looking forward to'

Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavik, October 2008. Ireland are one game away from qualifying for their first ever major tournament. Iceland stand in their way of a spot at Euro 2009. 

Niamh Fahey knows how it transpired – she was on the pitch. Irish hopes went up in smoke after they were duly dispatched by the Icelandic team, falling to a 4-1 aggregate loss. 

12 years on, as the Girls in Green come within touching distance of another play-off, Fahey immediately thinks back to 2008. 

That time… the majority [of the Ireland team] were amateurs or in college or university,” she said, speaking at an online media event attended by extratime.com. 

It’s a different story this time around: “[Now], the majority of the team are full-time professionals.

“We have that added experience, more of our players are playing at the top level, and then you have people who are winning titles in America, England. 

“The likes of Denise [O’Sullivan], Katie [McCabe], you've got that level of attacking player right at the top of their game.

“We're definitely in a stronger position than we were back in 2008,” she added.

It’s been a long time coming, but Fahey feels Ireland are ready to grasp the opportunity. There’s an inevitable pressure that comes with the occasion, however.

“As a player playing in the top level, you want to be in these situations, you want to be in these scenarios. 



“For me, pressure is a privilege, something everyone is looking forward to. Hopefully we get the right result so we can get to the playoffs.”

Fahey says herself that she doesn’t “look too far ahead” when it comes to her playing career, but thoughts of reaching a first major tournament loom large. Fahey allows herself to dream, for a moment.

“It would mean everything [to qualify].

“Anywhere that I've gone to play, it's always been with a view to keeping myself with the Irish team, or being involved in trying to qualify for a major tournament. 

“For me it would be one of the pinnacles of my career, actually getting to a finals. Just massive.”

For Ireland to reach a play-off and have the opportunity to qualify for a European Championships, the Girls in Green must avoid defeat against Ukraine tomorrow. 



When Ukraine visited Tallaght last year, Ireland ran out 3-2 winners in Vera Pauw’s first game in charge. That match won’t act as a blueprint for the clash in Kiev, however. 

“We've had a look at their recent game against Greece,” Fahey said of her side’s preparation.  

“They won 4-0, and I think Vera's right, we probably went under the radar against them in that early opening game. 

“We're expecting a different challenge this time. But we'll have our homework done as well and we'll be ready for the challenge.

The Liverpool captain knows that a result on Friday will resonant back home as the country hunkers down for a six-week lockdown.

“Obviously, the mood at home isn't going to be great, so times like this in sport can really be used as a relief. 

“Hopefully we can provide a bit of a feel-good factor at home by a good result on Friday.”