His actions in November sent the nation into a frenzy and had many dreaming of a first World Cup in 24 years, but minutes after suffering an agonising defeat in Prague, Troy Parrott’s words spoke volumes about his character. He had done his bit on the pitch, scoring Ireland’s opener from the spot before repeating the trick in the shoot-out. However, off it, he shouldered the extra responsibility of expressing his emotions in a moment when no words could even attempt to ease the pain.

Source: Irish Independent March 31, 2026 05:31 UTC