What a night for Irish football, and what a night for Troy Parrott, who scored both of Ireland’s goals against Portugal!
The 23-year-old striker from Dublin has kept Ireland’s World Cup hopes alive, but what do we know about the young man who declared Thursday ‘probably the best night’ of his life?
From his glamorous girlfriend to his family and football career, here’s everything to know about Troy as the country celebrates, and let’s be honest, processes an unexpected but wonderful win…
Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal against Portugal in Dublin. Pic: Sportsfile
Troy’s family life
Troy is the middle child of five and grew up on Buckingham Street in Dublin. He had a passion for football from a very early age and grew up playing before signing his first pro contract as a teenager.
Speaking to the Independent when Troy made his Ireland debut in 2019, his mum Jennifer said: ‘We are all very proud of him… It’s mixed emotions, sometimes I feel it’s too good to be true. But the whole lot of us, his brothers and sisters, are all so proud.’
Men’s U16 International Player of the Year Troy Parrott arrives with family to the Three FAI International Awards in 2019. Pic: Sportsfile
Jennifer credited the community for nurturing Troy’s love of sport and for ‘keeping his mind occupied’ while growing up.
Reflecting on his childhood, she said Troy would play anything from GAA to cross-country and football, and was ‘always coming home with medals for something.’
Troy’s girlfriend
Troy Parrott and his girlfriend Lauren. Pic: Lauren Bowry / Instagram
As well as his family, Troy is also supported off the pitch by his glamorous long-time girlfriend, Lauren Bowry.
It’s not clear exactly how they met, but Lauren often shares snaps of them together, with the first on her Instagram page dating back to April 2022.
Troy Parrott and his girlfriend Lauren. Pic: Lauren Bowry / Instagram
Over the years, the couple has shared plenty of sun-soaked getaways together, including visits to places such as Dubai, New York, and Ibiza.
Lauren was cheering Troy on in Dublin when Ireland took on Portugal and was one of the first to share her pride after the victorious match.
Troy’s football career so far
Troy Parrott and his girlfriend Lauren. Pic: Lauren Bowry / Instagram
When not playing for Ireland, Troy is on the pitch for Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, and before that, he was signed with Tottenham in the UK.
In 2024, Troy sealed a permanent move from Tottenham to Alkmaar, which is roughly half an hour from Amsterdam, for a new challenge.
Speaking with the Irish Independent, Troy said he felt ‘ready to leave’ the UK when he did after five years with the side and spending time on loan to other clubs, including time at Eredivisie side Excelsior.
He said: ‘I did speak to family and people close to me, but it was me that made the call and I felt it was the best decision to move here. It was the right thing to do.’
When Troy made his Ireland debut at the age of 17 years and 248 days in 2019, he was the youngest player to do so since Robbie Keane in 1998.
Life in Holland
Troy Parrott and his girlfriend Lauren. Pic: Lauren Bowry / Instagram
It sounds like Troy is loving life in his new city Alkmaar, with his family and girlfriend Lauren able to visit often on a short flight from Dublin.
He added to the publication: ‘I like the culture over here, their way of life. I live life how I want to live and am playing football the way I want to play.
‘The fans see me around the place and are getting to know me. Coming from a big city like London to here is good, it’s nice to be recognised.’
The big win against Portugal
Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland in action against Goncalo Inácio of Portugal at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Pic: Sportsfile
Ireland put on quite the display on November 13 when they secured a 2-0 win against Portugal, with Troy scoring both goals in the first half.
Speaking after the win, Troy said: ‘I think it’s probably the best night that I’ve ever had in my whole life. I have no words to describe it.
Troy Parrott’s girlfriend Lauren celebrating Ireland’s win. Pic: Lauren Bowry / Instagram
‘We all know how important this game was for us. I’m just overwhelmed. I don’t know what words to give now. I’m over the moon.’
His partner Lauren also celebrated the victory, writing on a photo of her beau: ‘x2 for my boy am beaming so proud of you.’
