From schoolboy hat-trick to Hungary heroics — how Troy Parrott became Ireland’s clutch striker

From school finals heroics to international drama, coaches and scouts recall the early promise behind Ireland striker’s rise

Troy Parrott and his O'Connell's school team mates celebrate their 2015 All Ireland First Year Boys ‘B’ Cup extra time win over Seamount College of Kinvara in Tullamore.

THE Puskás Aréna, Budapest. 79 minutes on the clock: Hungary 2 Ireland 1. 

The home fans are in raptures, just seconds away from securing a place in the World Cup 2026 playoffs, with visions of their nation reaching a World Cup finals tournament for the first time since 1986.