Shamrock Rovers secure transfer fee from Notts Forest for Jess Hennessy as Collie O’Neill calls on Irish government to provide ‘investment to keep players here’

Macdara Ferris reports from Tallaght Stadium

Hoops Head Coach Collie O’Neill has described Jess Hennessy’s move to Nottingham Forest as a “fantastic opportunity” for the defender but rues that Shamrock Rovers have lost such a good player. He called on the FAI and Irish government to see what can be done to keep players in Ireland.

However, the Hoops have at least secured a transfer fee for the 22-year-old who they signed from Athlone Town on Rovers’ return to the top level of women’s Irish football last year. 

“It is probably one of the first transfer fees from Ireland because she was on a professional contract,” said O’Neill speaking to extratime.com in Tallaght directly after his team drew 1-1 with Sligo Rovers.

“She is a great role model and it is nice being at a club like this where things are done as professionally as possible so when they do make that step it will be easy enough.

"We are obviously going to miss her. She wasn't just one of our better players but was an integral part of the squad, both on and off the pitch. 

“It is great for her development and it is great to see that there is a path there for players but you'd still like to see maybe the FAI do something about keeping players like that here.

"Maybe the government can give that extra investment to keep players here. It would be nice if we could develop our own league.”

The central defender was named in the league’s team of the year last season when she also won the club’s player of the year award. She has signed a one year deal with Forest who play in the Northern Division in the third level of the English women’s game but are a club with great ambitions investing heavily in the squad this season. 

The side plays out of the City Ground and are top of the table five games into the season having won five and drawn one, scoring 34 goals and conceding just 2. The Northern and Southern Division winners play-off for promotion to the Women’s Championship.

Hennessy herself admitted that it was a wrench to leave Rovers. On Instagram she posted that it was “not an easy decision to leave this incredible club. Anyone that knows me knows how much I love this club but becoming a full-time professional has always been my dream. 

“I’ve been very lucky to get to spend two years here and will always be a supporter from the outside. From the moment I signed, I have been treated with nothing but respect and professionalism and have made friends for life.” 

Forest’s Head of Women and Girls Football, Amber Wildgust said about the signing that “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.”

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— extratime.com (@ExtratimeNews) September 14, 2024