Ahead of a busy few weeks with Ireland and Celtic, Noonan makes time for a special trip home

HOME SWEET HOME: Saoirse Noonan makes a speech on her visit back to Scoil Niocláis. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

There’s just the small matter of spearheading Celtic’s attack against Rangers in the Women’s Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park this weekend for Saoirse Noonan — but first, she had to make a quick visit home.

“The kids were class. My last visit (back in 2022) was quite nice, but this time it was a bit different. I think a lot more kids probably knew me,” began Noonan after visiting her old school Scoil Niocláis on Tuesday, the day after she also took the time to visit Bunscoil Chríost Rí, whose principal is a family friend.

From there the Cork native headed to Páirc Uí Chaoimh where this interview took place, with roars from a Sciath na Scol match occasionally being heard in the background.

That also brings back good memories for the 26-year-old, but it’s recalling her second goal for the Republic of Ireland 19 minutes into her first senior start for her country down the Páirc almost a year to the day that brings a beaming smile.

“It was just so class that night,” added Noonan, who is hoping to create similar memories when Ireland take on the Netherlands here in their World Cup qualifier next Friday night.

“Having my granny being able to go to the game here and being near to home, it definitely means a lot more people can get to it, which is nice for a bit of a change.

“Obviously, we love playing Dublin. We love playing in Tallaght. But I think anytime we’ve come to Cork, we’ve had a brilliant game so hopefully, we can continue that. I actually can’t wait. There’s so much to play for so, definitely looking forward to it.”

Ireland are already assured of a playoff place to reach the World Cup in Brazil in 2027 but automatic qualification to their second-ever finals remains a possibility.

Back-to-back wins for the Girls in Green against Poland in April mean that should they defeat the Netherlands in Cork and France in Grenoble, then their place in the tournament will be secured. Anything less will just determine how difficult the playoff route will be.

“There’s just such a good buzz from the last camp as well,” continued Noonan, who will be hoping to add to her 12 caps.

“We came off the back of two good wins and now we want to continue that. I think against France and Netherlands in our first two games, we performed well but we didn’t get the results we wanted so we definitely have a bit of unfinished business there.

Saoirse Noonan signs an autograph for a fan. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

“We’re only a small nation and we could cause a huge upset in the next two games, which we want to do.

“I don’t think there’s pressure on us. There’s definitely more pressure on the bigger nations like Netherlands or France.

“We’re always the underdog and we’ll continue to be, but I do think we’re becoming a bit more of a force and a threat to teams.

“They’re getting a bit more worried, but we’ll just keep our heads down, stay quiet in the background and work.

“I back myself in the work I’ve done and the goals I’ve scored but the calibre of players that we have right now is unbelievable.

“I’ll be ready if I’m called upon. I visualise a lot and keep dreaming of scoring more goals here, so hopefully I get a few minutes on the pitch and get out and do that again.”

But before then there is that small matter of the Old Firm Cup final, a first Cup final appearance for Noonan at the Ghirls, although the former Cork City and Shelbourne striker has appeared in three Women’s FAI Cup finals, winning one and losing two.

It could also potentially be Noonan’s last appearance for the club given she is out of contract in the summer, but at the moment her focus is firing Celtic to glory and then linking up with Ireland.

“There’s a busy two weeks ahead, and I have three absolutely massive games so right now my focus is just solely on that,” insisted Noonan, who has scored over 50 goals across her two seasons in Glasgow.

“The fans absolutely die for the club. And even when I come home and I see so many people wearing Celtic jerseys, like even school visits today, kids have Celtic jerseys on.

“To know you play for such a big club is really nice and I’m really proud to represent them and being Irish as well makes it extra special.

“I’m out of contract and in football, things can change quick. I’m here to win games and I want to win trophies, and I want to get to be the best footballer I can be, be that with Celtic or somewhere else. We’ll see what happens.”