Westmeath native signs for Nottingham Forest
Westmeath native and former Athlone Town player Jessica Hennessy has signed for Nottingham Forest.
The English club has announced that the accomplished central defender has joined the club on a one year deal from Shamrock Rovers, subject to international clearance.
From Loughnavalley, Jessica is a daughter of Mary and Seamus (a native of the Glasson area) Hennessy.
Jessica played for Athlone Town in the 2022 Women's FAI Cup final against Shelbourne which was won by Shels, with Athlone reversing the result in last year's final.
Hennessy joined Shamrock Rovers following the 2022 season and she was selected on the 2023 Women’s Premier Division Team of the Year as part of the PFA Ireland awards and the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division Awards.
Nottingham Forest head of women's and girls' football, Amber Wildgust sad: “We are thrilled to announce the signing of Jessica Hennessy. At just 22, Jessica has already demonstrated impressive composure and technique as a commanding centre-back.
“Her qualities make her an outstanding addition to our defensive line, and we are confident she has a bright future ahead with us at Nottingham Forest.”
Speaking about joining Forest, Hennessy said: “I feels amazing to have signed for the club. I can’t waited to get going. I think the club is the perfect fit for me, my motives are the same as Nottingham Forest and I’m just looking forward to meeting all the girls and getting started here.”
Forest are currently top of the FA Women's National League North, which stands at level three of the women's football pyramid in England. The Women's Super League is the top tier of the game in England.
Jessica began her soccer career with Mullingar Athletic and, in addition to playing for Athlone Town and Shamrock Rovers, she also had a spell with Shelbourne.
Having played Gaelic football with Loughnavalley, Jessica represented Westmeath up to senior level before focusing her sporting energies on soccer.
Hennessy signing for Forest follows shortly after the arrival of Casey Howe from Athlone Town. A Northern Ireland international, Howe had shown impressive form in attack for Athlone this season.
Meanwhile, following last Saturday's 3-0 win away to Treaty United, Athlone are top of the Women’s Premier Division table, two points clear of both Shelbourne and Galway and with a game in hand.