Dublin Airport Supports Ireland’s World Cup Qualification Bid

Back in November, the 23-year-old achieved legendary status by scoring a hat-trick to secure a last-gasp qualification against Hungary and, in his honour, Dublin Airport shared a pic of the airport sign changed to read ‘Troy Parrott International Airport’. Online, fans praised this move that “won the internet”.

The airport committed to its antics by revealing a cardboard cutout of the Irish striker holding a sign reading “Welcome to Troy Parrott International Airport” to greet travellers upon their arrival in the capital.

Parrott returned home for Christmas from the Netherlands last month, and RTÉ caught up with him when he landed, giving him a hero’s welcome.

“It’s the best thing in the world to be back with the family over the festive period,” Parrott said. He went on to talk about a prolific scoring run this season, before snapping some selfies with the crowd of fans waiting for him. What a team player.

This week, the Dublin Airport social media team joined in, sharing a pic of the cutout captioned: “Thought we were joking, didn't you?!”

It’s great to see the country rally around the Boys in Green as Ireland’s World Cup bid escalates. It’s been 24 long years since Ireland last appeared at a finals, but they look to have a great shot of getting there this time, currently being priced as 4/1 shots to come through the play-offs in March. 

Fingers crossed for a less tumultuous journey there this time, though. The 2002 attempt at a trophy was somewhat marred by the generational fallout between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy, a tale so dramatic it’s being turned into a film, Saipan, that landed in cinemas this month. 

We can’t wait to see what tricks Parrott has in store for the World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Semi-Final against Czechia in March. Let’s hope he helps lead the team to another victory.