Noel is from Ballybay, Co. Monaghan. He was educated in St. Patrick's N.S., Ballybay, and St. Macartans College, Co. Monaghan.

As a child, he studied piano and performance both at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin and at the Leinster School of Music, Dublin. He completed his Bachelor of Music Degree in 1992. Since then, Noel has worked as a music teacher and piano accompanist with regular performances at the National Concert Hall, Dublin and University Concert Hall, Limerick.

He is a member of Music Theatre, Ireland and has recorded for R.T.E. Radio 1 "Theatre Nights" and R.T.E. television. Noel completed his post-graduate Diploma in Primary School teaching at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and was appointed to Barefield N.S. in January 2001.

Noel trains the school choirs, which comprises children from Ranganna IV - VI, and also classical ensembles.