Headline: Troy Parrott Earns Three Nominations for FAI International Awards
Troy Parrott has received recognition in three categories for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) International Awards. The 24-year-old striker for Real Betis is in contention for both player of the year and young player of the year, and he has two nominations for goal of the year.
Parrott’s pivotal contributions helped the Republic of Ireland reach the World Cup playoffs. He scored both goals in a crucial victory against Portugal in Dublin, netted a hat-trick in an essential away win against Hungary, and also converted a penalty in the playoff match against the Czech Republic.
This marks Parrott’s first nomination in the player of the year category, where he is joined by Dara O’Shea, also a first-time nominee. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has earned a spot on the shortlist for the second consecutive year.
In the young player of the year category, Parrott shares the spotlight with James Abankwah and Evan Ferguson, who previously won the award in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Parrott’s memorable second goal and last-minute winner against Hungary are contenders for goal of the year, alongside Katie McCabe’s impressive strike in the 3-2 victory over Poland during a World Cup qualifier.
In the women’s senior player of the year category, McCabe has received her sixth nomination. The 2021 winner is joined by first-time nominees Emily Murphy and Marissa Sheva.
For the women’s young player of the year, contenders include 2024 winner Jessie Stapleton, three-time nominee Abbie Larkin, and first-time nominee Emily Murphy.
The nominations for the men’s under-21 award feature Jacob Devaney, Mason Melia, and Jamie Mullins.
The performances considered for all award categories range from June 2025 to May 2026.
