One of Galway's best known soccer players, Faherty enjoyed a lengthy career that earned him selection for the Republic of Ireland at various levels, and taken him to Australia and Cyprus. Faherty is a prolific goalscorer - the third highest scorer in Galway United's history.
What age did you start playing? I began playing with Salthill Devon when I was 15.
Do you remember your first game? First game as a spectator was Galway United v Derry back in 1993. My first league of Ireland game as a player was against Cork City in Terryland during the 2007 season.
Ideal position and why? Striker, it’s always suited my strengths as a player and I loved contributing to the attacks.
Who inspired you when growing up/and now? Growing up it was Brazilian Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and like every Irish kid…Roy and Robbie Keane. Now my favourite player to watch would be Lionel Messi.
Did you aspire to play at the top level? When I was younger, I always wanted to play for Galway United. I think like most players, the goal is to always play at the highest level you can. In Ireland that means challenging for leagues and cups and playing in Europe.
What do you particularly like about your sport? As a youngster, I loved how sociable it was, once you become professional, it’s the day to day of training and trying to achieve the collective goal. It’s very technical and 90 per cent of the game is played in your head.
What was biggest challenge? Initially, trying to establish myself as a regular in the Galway United team. A lot of players make appearances in the league, but never get established enough or play enough games to be recognised by teams in Dublin or further afield. The was the biggest challenge as that allowed me to have a 14 year career in the sport.
What has been your greatest success/achievement? I have Premier Division, FAI Cup, Setanta Cup runner up medals so I can’t say any of them…I would probably have to say being capped for Ireland.
Favourite memory? Winning the U21 league with Salthill Devon, making my debut for Galway United, playing for Ireland, and playing in the FAI Cup final in the Aviva was pretty special also, even if we lost in extra time.
Biggest regret, if any? No particular regrets, but if I could do it again then I'd move to Australia to play football. I really enjoyed my time there, but the timing was bad. It was a move that players should make at the end of their careers, I moved there for two seasons when I was 24.
Fiercest opponent/s? Bohemians when I first came into the league, Dundalk from 2015-2017 and on a one off, then probably the most impressive team would have been Hanover from the Bundesliga in the Europa League.
If you were not playing your sport, what sport would you want to play? Gaelic football
Are you still involved in the sport? I retired at the end of last season, but I hope to stay involved in some capacity.
What do you do to relax? In terms of relaxing I’ll go to the cinema, watch sports, listen to a podcast or read a book. As hobbies I love to ski when I can, kayak, hike or any sort of adventure really.
Favourite sports person? Lionel Messi.
Best/worst aspect of lockdown? Having more time to actually do jobs around the house, worst part is the repetitiveness.
