Helen Noonan rewarded for being a driving force in growth of Cork soccer

For decades, Douglas woman Helen Noonan has been a driving force behind the growth of girls’ football in Cork, dedicating countless hours to creating opportunities, building teams and supporting young players across the county. 

Her work, largely carried out behind the scenes with the Cork Women’s and Schoolgirls Soccer League, has helped shape the pathway for generations of players, making her a fitting recipient of the overall winner of the Cork Community Spirit Award alongside a distinguished shortlist that included Rob Heffernan, Barry Cogan, Triona O’Neill and John Wade.

Over the years, Noonan has worn many hats with the CWSSL. While she spent a period as secretary, she is best known for her role as coordinator for Cork representative squads, a role that demanded relentless organisation, dedication and passion. Under her guidance, the number of squads expanded from just two to seven, covering age groups from U12 right through to U16.

Surprised but thrilled with the award, Noonan was quick to praise others who helped her along her roles.

“Apart from the shock, I certainly didn’t expect it as there were so many deserving people and groups,” said Helen. "I was honoured to receive the award but more importantly to accept it to acknowledge all those past and present involved in the CWSSL who all give their time and do so much work to promote and further women’s and girls’ soccer in Cork.” 

One of the standout events in the calendar was the prestigious Gaynor Cup, a national tournament that required an extraordinary level of planning. For Noonan, this meant spending nearly a week at the University of Limerick, coordinating everything from squads and kits to accommodation, meals and sponsorship.

She is quick to point out that such efforts were never hers alone. 

“Very important people here were the house mothers who came and stayed with the girls to help look after them, as without them we would not have been able to,” she said. Other committee members would also give up their time to stay and help with the organising of the week.” 

NURTURING TALENT

Beyond logistics, Noonan also played a key role as a liaison between leagues and governing bodies, including the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland, helping to facilitate interleague competitions. She also served as Child Welfare Officer, ensuring that the well-being of young players remained at the heart of everything.

For Noonan, the real reward was never recognition, it was watching young players grow.

“In my earlier years I would go to as many games every weekend as I could. It was great to identify so many good players and give them the opportunity to try out for Cork. 

Seeing younger players coming up and developing not only as a player but as a person was amazing. Just to see them enjoying the experience of playing with girls from other clubs was fantastic.” 

Her contribution has coincided with a remarkable rise in the popularity and visibility of girls’ football in Cork. For Noonan, that growth is deeply fulfilling. 

“It’s incredible to see the growth of girls’ football in Cork and for all of them to have the chance to enjoy themselves in a great environment and make new friends. It will benefit them greatly, either socially or potentially put them on a path to a career in football.” 

After years of tireless service, Noonan recently made the difficult decision to step away from her role with the CWSSL. The demands had grown alongside the sport, and balancing her commitments became increasingly challenging.

“I had been involved for so many years and with the growth of girls’ football it does take up a lot of time,” she explained.

“I guess I just felt the time was right for me to step away and have some new people come in and continue to enjoy the work as much as I did.” 

Still, stepping back does not mean stepping away entirely. Her passion for the game continues, albeit in a more manageable capacity.

“I certainly will miss the great company of the committee who, after so many years, are more like family.

I so much prefer being behind the scenes. There’s a reason I was always the one taking the photos instead of being in them.” 

“To be recognised with the award is testament to all volunteers, not just in soccer but in all avenues, to be commended for giving their time for others.” 

In celebrating Helen Noonan, Cork is not just honouring one individual—it is recognising the quiet, powerful impact of community spirit at its very best.