Saoirse Noonan delivered a player of the match performance at Hampden Park, powering the Hoops to a thrilling Scottish Cup final berth. The Irish forward set the tone early, netting the opening goal against Glasgow City in a dramatic 3-2 semi-final victory, and her relentless energy kept the team in contention throughout the match.

Noonan nearly sealed the win in the 90th minute with a late header that struck the post, but she didn't let the disappointment linger. Early in extra time, she turned provider, setting up Amy Gallacher for the decisive strike that secured the team's return trip to Hampden. It was a performance that showcased both her individual brilliance and her commitment to the team's cause.

"It's been a great day," Noonan told Celtic TV after the match. "It was a really tough week and a lot of really tired bodies in there, but you don't feel the pain when you get a win and a performance like that." She credited her versatility on the pitch, playing in a slightly different role behind Poppy, which required her to cover ground and link play effectively.

The match wasn't without its challenges. Glasgow City capitalized on a set-piece late in regulation, a reminder of how crucial dead-ball situations are in this league. But Noonan, who prides herself on her strength in those moments, remained undeterred. "I saw the ball and I probably went into Craigy's space, but I just believed in myself," she explained. "I knew I was going to get something on it, and thankfully it went in."

Reflecting on the near-miss at the end of normal time, Noonan emphasized the team's resilience. "Moments like that, you can either dwell on it or pick yourself back up. We could have rolled over and said that was our chance, but we didn't. We found momentum from it and took it." Gallacher's stunning finish in extra time was the reward for that refusal to give up.

For Noonan and the Hoops, this victory is about more than just reaching a final. "It's huge for us, for the club, and for the fans," she said. "We haven't had a good run in the league, and we're fully aware of that, but we wanted to pick ourselves back up. This semi-final win set a standard we want to maintain." As they prepare for the final, that standard—built on grit, belief, and teamwork—will be their foundation.