Westmeath native and former Athlone Town player Jessica Hennessy has signed with Nottingham Forest. The English club confirmed the central defender’s one-year deal, pending international clearance, after her move from Shamrock Rovers.
Jessica, from Loughnavalley, is the daughter of Mary and Seamus Hennessy, the latter hailing from the Glasson area. She played a key role for Athlone Town in the 2022 Women’s FAI Cup final, though they were defeated by Shelbourne. Athlone later avenged that loss in the 2023 final.
After the 2022 season, Hennessy joined Shamrock Rovers and earned a spot on the 2023 Women’s Premier Division Team of the Year at the PFA Ireland Awards. Her talents also garnered recognition in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division Awards.
Nottingham Forest’s head of women’s and girls’ football, Amber Wildgust, expressed excitement about Hennessy’s arrival, stating: “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.”
Hennessy shared her enthusiasm, saying: “It feels amazing to have signed for the club. I can’t wait to get going. I believe Nottingham Forest is the perfect fit for me, and I’m eager to meet all the girls and get started.”
Nottingham Forest currently leads the FA Women’s National League North, which is the third tier of women’s football in England. The Women’s Super League sits at the top of the pyramid.
Jessica’s soccer journey began with Mullingar Athletic, and she has since played for Athlone Town, Shelbourne, and Shamrock Rovers. A former Gaelic footballer for Loughnavalley, Jessica represented Westmeath at the senior level before dedicating her focus to soccer.
Her move to Nottingham Forest follows shortly after Casey Howe’s arrival from Athlone Town. Howe, a Northern Ireland international, has been in top form this season.
Meanwhile, Athlone Town sits atop the Women’s Premier Division table after a 3-0 win against Treaty United, maintaining a two-point lead over Shelbourne and Galway with a game in hand.
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