Many people in Dublin Airport were on cloud nine before they even departed for their flights after Republic of Ireland’s dramatic win over Hungary on Sunday afternoon.
Troy Parrott placed himself in Republic of Ireland folklore by completing his hat-trick with a 96th-minute winner as his side won 3-2 at Hungary to secure a World Cup play-off berth at the expense of their beaten opponents.
Parrott’s goal and the full-time whistle sparked mass pandemonium from those in green at the Puskas Arena in Budapest and that emotion was replicated some 1,450 miles away at Dublin Airport.
While awaiting their flights, many took in the World Cup qualifier inside a pub at an airport.
And the moment of Parrott’s winner has been captured on video by X user @zuzinuanella.
In the social media video, plenty of Irish supporters can be seen jumping up and down, screaming and clapping at that winner.
Republic of Ireland fans celebrate in Dublin Airport Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 win at Hungary
Troy Parrott hit a stunning hat-trick to help Ireland secure a World Cup play-off place in a dramatic qualifier at the Puskas Arena
Parrott scored the winner in the sixth minute of added time to spark jubilation among his side
Those fans will be looking forward to supporting Ireland in their World Cup play-off next year ahead of trying to qualify for their first finals since the 2002 showpiece.
‘I’m really, really emotional. They’re tears of joy. Ah, what a night, what a night,’ Parrott tole RTE post-match.
‘This is why we love football, because things like this can happen. Look, I love where I’m from, so this means the world to me. My family is here…
‘It’s the first time I’ve cried in years as well, I really, really can’t believe it. Everyone is crying. I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of, but this tonight, I don’t think I’ll ever have a better night in my whole life.
‘That is really a fairy tale. You can’t even dream about something like that. Honestly, I have no words to describe my emotions right now.’
The win in Hungary follows a brilliant 2-0 triumph over Portugal on Thursday for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side.
And speaking about their achievement, the Icelander hopes this is a springboard for Irish football.
‘It’s just a time to look back and think this is an absolute chance and a possibility for growth, not only for us but for Irish football, and we should cherish that and think (about) these guys.
The result ends Hungary’s hopes of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup in North America
‘I hope in 10 years, people will look back and say “these guys started this, that’s the team that started this journey”.
‘Success is not now, success is not that we won this game here, success is always a constant journey to the right direction, that is success.
‘It’s not a place and a moment and we should just think about this. Let’s enjoy this moment, but don’t forget where we are and where we’re going.’
