Troy Parrott's grandmother 'so proud but not surprised' about Ireland's hat-trick hero

Troy Parrott's grandmother Josie with his sister Abbey as they spent Monday greeting fans and well-wishers at the front gate of the family home on Portland Row in Dublin's north inner city. Picture: Gareth Chaney

Troy Parrott’s proud grandmother said she is “over the moon” after his historic hat-trick in Hungary.

The 23-year-old striker, from St Mary's Mansions in Dublin’s north inner city, lifted the spirits of the entire country by catapulting Ireland into the World Cup playoffs in March, following a superb performance in Budapest.

Troy Parrott from Mary's Mansion in Dublin’s north inner city lifted the spirits of the entire country by catapulting Ireland into the world cup play-offs in March following a superb performance in Budapest. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Crowds of fans arrived back into Dublin Airport from Hungary on Monday, still on a high after the team's phenomenal victory in the Puskás Aréna.

Troy's grandmother Josie Parrott spent most of Monday greeting fans and well-wishers at the front gate of her home on Portland Row in the north inner city, surrounded by family and friends. 

It was here, on Sunday, that she had watched with pride as her grandson propelled the Boys in Green into the playoffs.

Josie, fast becoming a superstar in her own right, posed for selfies with well-wishers and thanked everyone who supported her grandson.

Her home is already festooned with Christmas lights and bunting hangs from the windows close to a large image of her famous grandson, pinned high up over the house.

Josie Parrott at her home in Portland Row, Dublin, on Monday. Picture: Gareth Chaney

“I’m just over the moon,” she told the Irish Examiner as she greeted Troy's sister Abbey, who had just returned from watching her brother play in Budapest.

“I’m still taking it all in,” said Josie, as she hugged her granddaughter. 

“I’m so proud but I’m not surprised. He was well able to do it.” 

Abbey also posed for pictures and thanked everyone for the support and good wishes they had shown her family. 

She had attended the game with her sister Emmie and Troy's partner Lauren Bowry.

Troy, who plays for Eredivisie club AZ, will return to Amsterdam on Wednesday.

“He won’t be back. He is going to Amsterdam, and the rest of the family is on the way back here," said granny Josie. 

Portland Row is no stranger to famous athletes. 

Two-time Olympic gold medal boxing champion Kellie Harrington lives on the same row while former Republic of Ireland player Wes Hoolahan is also from the area.