What a week it has been for Celtic and Republic of Ireland striker Saoirse Noonan.
The Cork native made the dream move to the club on a free transfer from Durham just a few months ago and what a start to the dream it has been.
Celtic FC Women this week added to the club's illustrious history by becoming the first Scottish side to qualify for the Champions League group stages.
An incredible achievement and an incredible start to life in Glasgow for childhood Celtic fan Noonan.
"It was dreamy," an effusive Noonan said. "Under the lights, big crowd, hearing You'll Never Walk Alone around the stadium, it was quite emotional.
"It’s something you dream about as a kid watching the Champions League in the front room with my family, listening to the CL music week after week but you never actually think you are going to be there.
"Last night (Thursday) summed it all up and what a night it was. We are there and we are deservedly in the group stages now which is another huge step forward for us as a team.
"We had a bit of champagne in the dressing room, sprayed it around and enjoyed the moment and now today I’m trying to just reset and we’re back in with the girls tomorrow."
A whirlwind few months it has been for the 25-year-old, but as she says herself she wouldn’t have it any other way and she is loving the Celtic way of life.
Six goals in seven league games to start the season, including a hat-trick last week against Montrose, is a serious statement of intent.
"Life at Celtic has been really fast so far," she admitted. "It’s been busy but in a great way. I’m really enjoying it.
"I think it’s important that when we do get days off to try and reflect and take it all in. Last night was a huge moment for all of us so we need to reflect on it and enjoy it but we also have another game in a few days so that requires full focus too.
"It’s crazy and fast but it’s exactly what any footballer wants to be involved in."
Thursday's famous result against Ukrainian side Vorskla Poltava confirmed Celtic’s place in the Champions League group stages, with the draw taking place yesterday afternoon.
A baptism of fire it will be as the Scottish outfit were drawn in a group with European giants Real Madrid, a Chelsea side who were Champions League runners-up in 2021 and an FC Twente outfit who have won four of the last five Dutch titles.
Noonan and her Celtic team-mates will go toe to toe with players like Lucy Bronze and Sam Kerr and it is one she is relishing having watched the draw closely yesterday.
"With the draw, you are looking at it and trying to figure out what’s the best situation for us as a team and who we might have a chance against," Noonan added candidly.
"You are looking at the other 15 teams and one’s better than the other. You’ve the Barcas, the Lyons, the Arsenals to name just a few and to get drawn in a group with Real Madrid and Chelsea is going to be an unbelievable experience. It really is.
"Like, this isn’t just a friendly ahead of season, this is the group stages of the Champions League. They are going to have their strongest teams out against us but it’s 90 minutes of football and anything can happen. It’s really exciting for sure."
In what has been a busy week for Celtic, they also confirmed their move to a new stadium for both their league and European fixtures going forward.
They will play their games at New Douglas Park in what is a modern purpose-built facility that meets all of the strict criteria for hosting European fixtures.
Noonan see’s it as a great move and one which will benefit everyone, and said: "It’s a positive move for sure. It will be a lot more accessible for fans, which is so important.
"Douglas Park will be a lot more convenient for families and kids which is great and what it’s all about.
"Hopefully we can make that a fortress in years to come and make it our home going forward. We’ll be there for both the league and the Champions League now and all in all there’s lot’s happening and I’m really excited."
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