Republic of Ireland women: Niamh Fahey and Leanne Kiernan sign new contracts at Liverpool

Republic of Ireland internationals Niamh Fahey and Leanne Kiernan have signed new contracts at Liverpool.

Fahey joined the Reds in 2018 and has captained the side since 2020.

Kiernan arrived in 2021 and has scored 19 times in 47 appearances for Matt Beard’s side.

Both players were part of the Liverpool team that won the Women’s Championship title in 2022 and then secured a fourth-place finish in the WSL last season.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have another season in red. I really enjoy my time here with the club and after a brilliant last season I’m looking forward to pushing on,” Fahey told Liverpool’s website.

While the 36-year-old remains focused on prolonging her playing career, the club confirmed that Fahey will “explore opportunities to gain coaching experience alongside manager Matt Beard and his staff” during the season.

“I’m preparing for a little bit of life after football,” Fahey continued.

“The offer to do some coaching – Beardy spoke with me and I’m so grateful for this opportunity to learn off everyone and get my ideas as well how things work off the pitch.”

Kiernan suffered a serious ankle injury in the opening game of the 2022-23 WSL season.

She returned for the end of the season, scoring against West Ham and Chelsea before netting a hat-trick on the final day against Leicester City.

“It’s amazing [to sign a new contract], I love the club, I love the fans, and I love the people,” Kiernan said.

“Liverpool is home for me, I’m just really enjoying myself here.”