QUITE A BIT has changed in Keith Fahey’s life since he last lined out for St Patrick’s Athletic.
Widely regarded as the best player in the Airtricity League thanks to his performances during the 2008 season, the Dubliner earned a move to Birmingham City where he would go on play his part in their promotion to the Premier League the following year.
While gaining experience in England’s top flight, the midfielder caught the eye of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni and made his senior international debut in May 2010 before appearing 16 times for the Boys in Green and scoring three goals along the way.
Recent years have not been gone as well and after being let go by Birmingham at the end of last season, Fahey had to battle back from a hip operation during the summer. A stint training with League One outfit Sheffield United allowed him to regain his fitness but he then dislocated his toe at a particularly unfortunate time.
There were a couple of offers on the table both in Ireland and across the water but Fahey, a favourite at Richmond Park, now finds himself back at Inchicore for a third spell with the club.
And one thing has remained during that time away — his love for the Saints.
“I love Pat’s, there was never going to be anyone else,” Fahey said yesterday. “I love my football here and playing out in Richmond Park.
I had a good think about it and I could have gone back to England and trained but I wanted to get back going as soon as I could and Pat’s was the choice for me.”
The Saints may have been unable to break their FAI Cup hoodoo during Fahey’s time in England, but he does have the difficult task of coming into a title-winning side after Liam Buckley’s men beat Dundalk in the Premier Division race in October.
John Russell has departed from their talented midfield for Sligo but PFAI Player of the Year Killian Brennan and Greg Bolger remain while James Chambers also returns after a difficult season with Shamrock Rovers.
Despite his vast experience, Fahey doesn’t believe it will be a matter of simply walking into the team.
“I’m looking forward to training with the lads and seeing how it goes for myself.”
Fahey playing for Pat’s back in 2008. Credit: INPHO/James Crombie
At 30, he still has plenty to offer but admits it will take time to regain his match fitness after six weeks without training.
On the the season ahead, he adds: “It’s going to be really tough but there is a good squad here and our main priority will be to do well in the league. The bonus is European football and Liam wants to do well in Europe.
“I’ve gained a fair bit of experience over the last few years and I’d like to think it can help the lads and see where we go. It’s going to be hard to retain the title and win it back-to-back but that’s what we will be aiming to do.”
Unsurprisingly, Fahey has been regularly asked about his international future since the appointment of Martin O’Neill. And although he isn’t slamming the door shut on a comeback, the main focus right now is on his club career.
To be honest, I’m not looking at my Irish career. At the moment I’ve a short term plan to get back playing football. Whatever happens between now and then, my main priority is to get back playing and enjoying it.
“If something happens with Ireland or if nothing happens with Ireland then so be it. Once I’m enjoying my football then that’s what is important to me.”
Quotes courtesy of FM 104′s Darren Cleary
Best of luck to the guy always liked seeing him in Irish shirt and good to hear him sounding happy at going home..
Very good player. Pat’s could really dominate most games this season with himself, Bolger and brennan in midfield. He’s only 30 aswell so I think Liam Buckley has pulled off a major coup in bringing him to the club.
What about chambers? He was outstanding the season before last at pats?
Hopefully they get Quigs in good form
It’s just great to see Irish players making it back home, would love to see others return
He held his own in premier league and always impressed for Ireland when he got on, great coup for pats.
Great not only for Pats but the league aswell
Looking forward to next season delighted Keith is back
Loi is muck
Our league is lacking support but it isnt muck. Unfortunately, the majority of Irish football fans share your opinion. Too used to sitting in a pub watching the EPL
Dunno how many times this has to be said, but you can do both! I’m a massive Arsenal fan, but go to LOI games when I can! The standard is nowhere near as good of course, but the atmosphere at some games is great!
I agree, I have a season ticket at Derry and I support Arsenal. I was just making the point that majority of fans dont do both, their decision of course but don’t bash the LOi when the reason it’s not great is because there’s no support and therefore no funds.
Yeah man totally agree with ya! My girlfriend is from Sligo so I went to a few of their games last year and I loved it! Just a shame more people don’t do both!
Rather watch rasher rovers in the ucl league
loi is still a better league than the a league in australia.
We get it, you have a girlfriend !
Haha!! Oh no, did I make it that obvious?!
Still amazed he didn’t sign for Shamrock Rovers. Bigger club than Pats. KOH