Excitement was in the air at Dublin Airport on Sunday, and it wasn’t just because of the flights.
Supporters of the Republic of Ireland were glued to screens inside airport pubs, watching their team face Hungary in a World Cup qualifier.
When Troy Parrott scored his dramatic 96th-minute winner, the celebrations were immediate—fans jumped, screamed, and clapped, bringing the same euphoria from the Puskas Arena in Budapest straight to the airport.
Parrott’s Hat-Trick Heroics
Troy Parrott etched his name into Irish football history with a sensational hat-trick.
His last-minute strike not only completed his treble but also sealed a 3-2 victory, sending Ireland into the World Cup play-offs.
It was a goal that will be replayed in fans’ memories for years to come, and the celebrations both in Hungary and 1,450 miles away in Dublin showed just how much it meant.
A Moment Captured on Social Media
The winning moment didn’t stay private for long.
Videos shared on X, including one by user @zuzinuanella, show fans at the airport bouncing with joy, waving their arms, and cheering at Parrott’s decisive goal.
For those in green, it was more than a football match—it was a shared moment of national pride.
Emotional Reactions from the Star Player
After the game, Parrott described his emotions to RTE as overwhelming.
“I’m really, really emotional. They’re tears of joy,” he said.
“This is why we love football, because things like this can happen.
I love where I’m from, so this means the world to me.”
He admitted that it was the first time he had cried in years and called the night “a fairy tale,” saying he had no words to describe what he felt.
Building Momentum After Portugal
The thrilling victory against Hungary came just days after another standout performance, a 2-0 win over Portugal.
Under manager Heimir Hallgrimsson, the team is on a roll, and the Icelandic coach sees this as a turning point for Irish football.
Hallgrimsson’s Vision for Irish Football
Hallgrimsson spoke about the bigger picture, urging fans and players to appreciate the moment but not lose sight of the journey ahead.
“Success is not now, success is not that we won this game here, success is always a constant journey in the right direction,” he said.
“I hope in 10 years, people will look back and say ‘these guys started this, that’s the team that started this journey.’”
Looking Ahead to the World Cup Play-Offs
With the play-off berth secured, Irish fans now have something to look forward to—a chance to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002.
If Sunday’s celebrations at both the Puskas Arena and Dublin Airport are any indication, the passion and support will be unwavering as Ireland prepares for the next step in their quest for football glory.
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