Saying goodbye is never easy

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 2 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.

Thank you to all the coaching staff and the whole club for everything they have done for me throughout the last 2 years ❤️

Once a hoop…☘️

Jess Hennessy instagram

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My friend thought someone had died.

Ten minutes later, everyone within earshot of our table in Costa Coffee had heard the news that Jess Hennessy had signed with Nottingham Forest Women (so my friend claims).

It took another flat white to diffuse the bombshell.

Jess Hennessy, no longer a Hoop.

Me nerves.

A fortnight previous the number 5 had towered over a young fan on the sidelines at PRL park, beaming as she signed a proffered piece of paper - generous as always with her time.

Now the Loughnavalley native was sporting the crimson red of Nottingham Forest Women.

What parallel universe was this?

How was Maria?

“Who?” My friend asked, completely bewildered. 

Maria.

Maria Reynolds.

(The friendship was on shaky ground at this point.)

Who would our number 6 partner up with? 

I was on the verge of calling Joe Duffy.

This was definitely a Liveline matter.

While life in Dublin 24 did go on - Reynolds marshalling the Rovers backline with Scarlett Herron, Fiona Owens, Shauna Fox and Savannah Mc Carthy, the absence of Hennessy's tall frame, plait swinging at the South stand end, struck a discordant note.

I can't imagine how it felt for the players.

Anyone who has watched the girls play this year can see the togetherness and unity of the dressing room on the pitch.

Adversity often brings people closer together and this season was a rollercoaster of emotions.

Now, at season's end, we enter a period of flux. 

A time when players in the WLOI are scouted by both rival coaches and clubs further afield.

It's highly likely that at least one more regular starter from our squad could depart this year and it's got me thinking...

I started following Rovers Women this year so to me the current squad are the only RW I've known 

Given the semi-professional setup at Rovers and the togetherness of the group, it's likely that many players will wish to remain (you would hope) but anything can happen.

Players leave clubs for various reasons - location, competition for places, a lack of game time, financial opportunities, a change in coach, development opportunities - all valid factors that could cause a players eyes to wander.

As we saw with Hennessy, it's not about a lack of love for the club or loyalty. Making that move is often a very difficult decision. Having spent a short time at the Shamrock Rovers Academy, I can understand that - it really feels like a family at The Roadstone.

But sometimes the offer is just too good to refuse (and rightly so - once the initial shock had worn off, I was delighted for Jessica.)

Yet am I dreading those inevitable transfer announcements from December onwards?

A little.

So let's take worst case scenarios come March 2025...

Melissa O’Kane departs to switch and weave at Tolka in red…(sorry, just give me a minute…wasn't ready to go there.)

Joy Ralph signs with Athlone Town, muscling her way inside our backline at Lissywollen.

Stop the lights.

Lia O’Leary leaves the Tallaght tiki takas to overtake players in The Championship.

Amanda Budden roars with the passion of a Lioness at the opponents end within a PRL Park goal frame.

Shakes head

No, no, no.

Everything just feels wrong.

Lol.

Without the players I've shouted for this season, would the team even still be the Rovers Women?

Well the answer is yes, it would be.

I feel a real affinity to the shirt, the badge, the club.

But the players are a huge part of why I feel so strongly about the club - and I think that for most fans, that's normal. At least, it's often how that initial attachment to a team develops. 

Can you imagine the Drumcondra Debonairs without Pearl Slattery? Athlone without Kayleigh Shine?

Whoever stays, whoever goes, the 2024 RW squad were an absolute joy to watch. It was 7 months of excitement, disappointment and happiness - the agony and the ecstasy.

And let's not forget Steph Zambra's last game for The Hoops and that side step of a bullet.

I'll miss seeing the skill set of the Shankill sniper on Saturdays.

Wherever each of their respective careers take the RW players, be it next year or in five, I'll always be a fan.

In saying that, I do hope that I get to watch most of the girls tear up the Tallaght turf in the green and white Hoops in 2025.

And even better, see them lift a trophy.

They deserve it.

But win lose or draw they are my team, always.

An absolute buzz to watch.

Home.

Christine