Hennessy enjoys winning league debut for Hoops

Loughnavalley's Jessica Hennessy made her league debut for Shamrock Rovers at the weekend in the Hoops' narrow 2-1 victory away to Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds, in the first round of matches in this season's SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division.

After a spell of early pressure, Shamrock Rovers opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a goal from Shauna Fox. The home side were back on level terms on the hour when captain Emma Hansberry's free kick deflected off the Shamrock Rovers' wall giving Shams goalkeeper Amanda Budden no chance.

In a second half in which both sides had their moments, Shamrock Rovers secured the three points right at the death when Ireland international Aine O'Gorman scored deep into injury time.

Hennessy made the switch to Shamrock Rovers after impressing in the Athlone Town team that finished second in the Premier Division and reached the FAI Cup final last season.

While they might be the Premier Division's newest team, Shamrock Rovers will be hoping to make a splash this season after signing a number of big names including Ireland internationals Gorman and Stephanie Zambra.