Shamrock Rovers have announced that midfielder Keith Fahey has retired from football because of injury. The 32 year old joined the Tallaght club last November.
In a statement released on the Shamrock Rovers website, Fahey said; "unfortunately I have had to come to this decision after taking advice from the doctor and surgeon, I feel that it is the right time to finish playing professional football. I’d like to thank everyone that has supported me, managed me and played with me during my time playing football."
After spells at Arsenal and Aston Villa, Fahey made his name at St Patrick's Athletic in two spells before his performances for the Inchicore club gained the attention of clubs in England, where he eventually signed for Birmingham City. His time at Birmingham was a success as he won a League Cup medal and gained made his international debut.
Fahey's most memorable moment in the green jersey came as he scored a late winner for Ireland against Armenia in a Euro 2012 qualifier in Yerevan. He scored three times for his country. He was a member of Ireland's initial Euro 2012 squad but pulled out before the tournament began due to injury.
Ireland's Keith Fahey scores the only goal of the game in a Euro 2012 qualifer Armenia. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Action Images
Fahey returned to the League of Ireland in December 2013 playing for St Patrick's Athletic in a third spell. He was part of the victorious FAI Cup team last year and also won the inaugural President's Cup. He joined Shamrock Rovers at the end of last season and made his final appearance in the FAI Cup defeat to former club St Pat's.
Speaking of Fahey's retirement, Shamrock Rovers manager Pat Fenlon said; "He has been a central part of our squad this season and has been a great influence on the players, particularly the younger members of our squad. We will miss his experience at the club, experience he brought from playing at the top level of English football, in addition to his international career, and I want to wish him all the best in his retirement.”
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