Cork’s Saoirse Noonan says scoring at Páirc Uí Chaoimh for Ireland was surreal

‘Surreal’ was how Saoirse Noonan called scoring the winner for the Republic of Ireland against Slovenia at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in front of her friends and family on Tuesday night.

The striker that started out with Douglas Hall and Cork City headed in the game’s only goal in the 19th minute by getting under a Jessie Stapleton cross.

It was a huge moment for Noonan, who last hit the back of the net during a 9-0 win over Georgia in December 2021 at Tallaght Stadium.

“It was a bit surreal – obviously my first competitive start and I’m trying to find my feet and ease myself into the game without getting caught up in the moment,” she said. 

“It was unbelievable and I’m obviously delighted.” 

The striker found on Monday night that she would start her first ever competitive game for the Republic of Ireland.

“Carla [Ward] called the team last night so when I got the nod I just told my parents and kept it a bit quiet,” she explained. 

“I just tried to treat it like another game but what a feeling.” 

Despite the moment of elation, the night finished on a frustrating note as the Girls in Green failed to outscore Slovenia four times, which meant the team has finished runners up in the group instead of achieving automatic promotion to League A.

“Obviously, the first thing was to go out and win the game but the bigger picture was that we wanted to get the four goals,” Noonan said.

“I think we started off well and that is something that we spoke about as a group for the last few days and I think we did that. 

"We had chances and we had a lot of possession. We played really well, but they are a good team. 

"At least we got the win and that is something that we can build on going forwards.” 

This has been a transformative period for the striker, who had found a new lease of life on the international stage under Carla Ward.

The goal capped off a return, and that is now history for a player focused on getting better and improving her game.

“I think when we got the goal we thought ‘yeah’ it is a 1-0 lead and could we get another before half-time,” she said.

“That was the focus and we were pushing. Maybe we were unlucky. There’s one or two decisions we could have made better. 

"It’s about building and this team is good. It’s about growing and we’re working hard every day.

“From the first time Carla came in until now with myself – I feel with each camp and each game I just feel like I am getting better.”