Hoops keep building as they land defender Jess Hennessy

Shamrock Rovers have signed Athlone Town defender Jess Hennessy as they continue to build an impressive squad ahead of their return to the SSE Airtricity Women's National League.

The Hoops, who will field a team in the division for the first time in a decade in 2023, have already brought in Republic of Ireland international Aine O'Gorman from Peamount United, and the arrival of Hennessy is another big coup.

Summer Lawless and Alannah McEvoy have also been snapped up from Peamount.

Hennessy was brilliant for Athlone this year, helping them to a runners-up finish in the league and a run to the FAI Cup final, where they lost to Shelbourne.

Shamrock Rovers boss Collie O'Neill said of the latest signing: "Jessica has had an exceptional year; she is a commanding and dominant centre-half and also has the great ability of being able to step-in when in possession.

"She is a young, hungry player and I believe that she has a great future ahead of her."

Hennessy was called into the Republic of Ireland's home-based training squad back in August. She has big ambitions and is hoping to further progress in Tallaght.

"I am really excited to be joining Shamrock Rovers I am looking forward to a new challenge with the club," she said.

"Rovers is a perfect fit for me they are very professional club and I think it's the right time for me to move forward in my career and embark on a new journey for the 2023 season."