Jess Hennessy: Making a Mark on Women's Football across Ireland and England

At just 23 years old, Jessica Hennessy’s journey through football has taken her from the Irish Women’s National League to an exciting new chapter with Nottingham Forest in England. A commanding central defender with a wealth of experience at Shamrock Rovers and Athlone Town, Jess has carved out a name for herself as one of Ireland's rising talents.

Ahead of the 2020 season, Hennessy signed for Women's National League side Athlone Town AFC, based in the Midlands of Ireland. During her time there, she featured 46 times between 2020-2022, helping the club reach their first-ever FAI Women's Cup Final in 2022, where they fell short to Shelbourne FC. Her consistent displays earned her a spot in the WNL Team of the Year and a call-up to the Irish WNT training camp in Dublin; a pivotal moment in her career.

Following her standout time with Athlone, Jess signed for Irish footballing giants Shamrock Rovers for the 2023 season. During her time at Rovers, she excelled, winning the Players’ Player of the Year award and earning places in both the League of Ireland Women's Premier Division Team of the Season and the first-ever PFAI Team of the Year - a significant achievement that highlights her exceptional talent. She re-signed for The Hoops for the 2024 season, making a total of 21 appearances across all competitions.

On September 13th, 2024, Jess made the big move to Nottingham Forest FC on a one-year deal in what appeared to be an exciting near-Deadline Day transfer. Jess shared a light-hearted story about receiving the call from her agent whilst shopping, followed by a urgent scramble to pack her bags and fly to England the following morning. When speaking to Christine from the Shamrock Rovers Women Fanzine, Hennessy reflected on whirlwind transfer, sharing, “I would have loved to know that Boh’s was my last game because I never really got to say bye to the girls.”

Despite the rapid process, Jess praised Shamrock Rovers’ professionalism, noting how head coach Collie O’Neill personally called to wish her well and highlight what a fantastic opportunity it was. That moment reassured Jess she had made the right decision and fuelled her excitement to get to work.

We caught up with Jess to ask her some questions about football and how she is settling into her new life in Nottingham.

What or who inspired you to pursue a career in football? “My parents are a massive inspiration for me, especially my dad! They have supported me through the good and bad times. Nothing is ever too much hassle, and I’m very lucky to have such incredible parents. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without them! Dad has driven me to and from training since I started playing football at the age of 14. Travelling across the country and never missing a training session or game. To this day, he still travels from Ireland every weekend to see me play. Knowing he’s in the stands really drives me on to be the best I can be.”

What has been the biggest learning curve since moving from Shamrock Rovers? “The biggest learning curve for me was moving away and leaving my family, friends, and boyfriend behind. Naturally, I was homesick at first, but thankfully I’m settling in now. I had to learn how to live on my own, as I always lived at home in Ireland, even when I attended college. Another challenge was adapting to the way Nottingham Forest plays after spending two years at Shamrock Rovers.”

Are there any differences between playing in Ireland and England?

“I was very lucky to come from a professional setup at Shamrock Rovers, which prepared me well for the move to England. One difference is the incredible fan support at Nottingham Forest. The fans have really welcomed me with open arms. Also, being a full-time professional now means a big difference in training load and intensity. In the League of Ireland, the teams are more evenly matched, but in England, there’s quite a divide in the table.”

Jess' experience highlights the sacrifices and challenges that come with being a professional footballer. The physical and mental demands of the game, coupled with uprooting her life at a moment's notice, underscore the resilience and dedication for success.

The number 6 has been working on developing her patience, as she faces tough competition from experienced teammates like Mollie Green and Kate Longhurst. Jess humbly shared, “While I might not be getting minutes, I’m learning so much from them. I’m just delighted to be on this journey and path.”

Her cool-headedness and football intelligence haven’t gone unnoticed, with Head of Women and Girls Football Amber Wildgust praising, “Jess has already demonstrated impressive composure and technique as a commanding centre-back.”

Currently, Forest sit at the top of the WNL Premier Division table, boasting a remarkable record of 9 wins and 2 draws in 11 games so far this season. Their recent 19-0 victory over Long Itchington in the Women's FA Cup underlines their dominance.

Overall, Hennessy has been enjoying life at her new club while adapting to the demands of a higher level of play. Her tactical awareness and ability to read the game have been key assets, as she continues to develop under Nottingham Forest's setup. Known for her composure on the ball and commanding presence in defence, Jess brings a blend of technical skill and football intelligence that makes her a valuable addition to the squad. Looking ahead, she remains focused on earning consistent minutes, contributing to Forest’s success, and further sharpening her abilities in this competitive environment.

Forest’s next match is on Sunday, January 5th, against Burnley in the Women’s FA Cup at the City Ground, with a 2pm kick-off.

Finally, a huge thank you to Jess for her cooperation in helping us put this article together. We wish her all the best for the future!