Noeleen Scanlan's success strengthened by teaching and motherhood

Storm Éowyn has long since passed through Drumkeen and Letterkenny Athletic Club’s Noeleen Scanlan, with her electricity back, is now finally able to get back to her regular training schedule. 

While not having access to her usual cross-training and treadmill, Scanlan has been making do ahead of an important race in the calendar on Sunday. 

Letterkenny AC’s women’s team will be competing in the European Club Cross Country Championships on February 2 for the third time, and the head teacher believes it could be their best performance yet despite less-than-ideal preparation. 

“We all survived it okay . . . we got our training done,” Scanlan said. 

This will be the female team’s third appearance at the championships, and on each occasion the Letterkenny women have finished within the top ten. 

Scanlan explains that the goal this year is to better their ninth-place team finish in 2022. 

“We've always come in the top ten with the team results. I'm hoping that we can match that or do even better this year,” adds the 41-year-old. 

The club missed out on selection for last year’s edition of the European championship but secured their place by finishing second in the national cross-country championships in Fermanagh in December. 

Scanlan has been a pivotal member each year and explains that the event is an occasion she looks forward to, where rubbing shoulders with Europe’s elite club runners gives a taste of what’s to come. 

“It's a nice reward for all our training that we've put in over the winter. 

“It's a nice taster of what happens at these big international events, that's what I love about it,” explains Scanlan. 

The team’s top performer in 2023 was Nakita Burke, who finished in 24th. This time round, national cross country champion Ann-Marie McGlynn will join the panel. 

Having McGlynn as part of the squad for the national championships was a motivator for the whole squad says Scanlan: “We weren't really planning on targeting nationals this year for medals. 

“The fact we have Ann-Marie in the team . . . it was great motivation for us. 

“We're absolutely delighted to have her coming to Euro clubs with us as well,” details Scanlan. 

Experienced international McGlynn will be more than a top finisher for the club in Albufeira on Sunday. 

“She's just always very positive about everything . . . it's great having her on the team this year.” 

It hasn’t just been Éowyn that has had an impact on preparations, Scanlan was ‘delighted’ to be offered the role of head teacher at St Patrick N.S, Drumkeen in August, the school she attended as a child. 

The Ulster inter-county international has accepted the knock-on effect of her training as a suitable sacrifice for giving back to her community and is now back to increased mileage. 

“I just try and get out the door as soon as I can after work. I just run from school some days," she said. 

“The mileage has reduced a bit this year and I knew that would happen. But I'm starting to build up again now. 

“It is difficult managing full-time work and training, but it is very doable, but you do need to be very organised,” explains Scanlan. 

Beyond the nine-kilometres Scanlan will cover this week in Portugal and managing busy work and family life, she continues to plan her next goal. 

“The National 10K road race in Dunboyne on March 23. We're going to be fielding both men's and the women's teams which is fantastic,” explains the Letterkenny AC club captain. 

The 41-year-old is also hoping to get back to the half marathon distance after plans were scrapped when starting her new role. 

“I'm hoping to do a half marathon again this year. 

“The last half marathon I did was the Larne, Antrim Coast one and I was representing Northern Ireland in Ulster for that. That was back in 2023. And then with the new job last year August was just very busy for me. 

“My half marathon plan went out the window, but the Larne half marathon is definitely a target for me this year anyway. And even better if I could get a vest for it."

The mother of two is passionate about women returning to sport post-pregnancy and has recently been inspired by Niamh Allen, who finished 11th in the European Cross Country Championships in December just three months after giving birth. 

“I do think a lot of athletes feel that once they have children, their days of competitive running are over. I tend to disagree with that. 

“She (Niamh Allen) was three months postpartum, and she went on to win a silver medal at national cross country and had an absolutely fantastic race at Euro Cross.” 

The Drumkeen native returned to running at Letterkenny AC almost ten years ago and has remained competitive whilst having two children. 

Balancing all the demands of modern life and parenting can be a challenge but Scanlan feels it is important for women to have interests outside of family life. 

“I think having children nearly gives you more drive and determination because you want to do it for them. 

“You're setting a good example for your children to live an active lifestyle. 

“Just having your own interests as well . . . I feel it's very important. 

“We dedicate so much time to our family, so it's nice to take that hour every day when you can go for your run. 

“I would say to people don't think that once you have a family that you can't pursue your sporting dreams because that is not the case and has been proven in Irish athletics.” 

You can watch the European Club Cross Country on European Athletics on Sunday 2 February from 10:00, with the women’s senior racing starting at 11:05.