Ireland striker Troy Parrott has been named the country’s most beloved male sports figure, edging out even golf superstar Rory McIlroy in a recent popularity survey.
Parrott’s remarkable hat-trick against Hungary, along with his two-goal display against Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, remain fresh in the minds of supporters. Those moments played a significant role in boosting his reputation among Irish fans, particularly during a World Cup campaign that, while ultimately disappointing, showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.
During that campaign, Parrott once again proved his importance to the team. He scored during regular time in a crucial fixture and confidently converted his penalty in the shootout, even though the match ended in heartbreak for Ireland. Despite the team falling short, his composure and consistency further strengthened his standing as a key player for the national side.
The study, conducted by Betway, revealed that Parrott achieved an impressive popularity rating of 98.65%, placing him at the top of the list for male athletes. This figure comfortably surpasses Rory McIlroy, a two-time Masters champion, who recorded a popularity score of 76.04%.
However, when considering all athletes, Parrott was narrowly beaten by boxing icon Katie Taylor. Taylor claimed the title of Ireland’s most popular sporting personality overall, with an extraordinary rating of 99.26%, highlighting her enduring appeal and widespread admiration across the country.
The rankings also underline the strong presence of footballers in Ireland’s current sporting landscape. Players such as Seamus Coleman, Caoimhín Kelleher, and Chiedoze Ogbene all feature prominently in the top ten. In contrast, David Clifford stands as the sole representative from Gaelic football within that elite group.
Elsewhere, Katie McCabe secured tenth place, while several high-profile athletes narrowly missed out on the top ten. These include middle-distance runner Ciara Mageean, sprint star Rhasidat Adeleke, and Olympic boxing champion Kellie Harrington, all of whom continue to enjoy significant support.
A Betway spokesperson noted that Parrott’s memorable performances against Hungary and Portugal clearly resonated with fans. They also pointed to the massive backing the national team received during their World Cup play-off in Prague as evidence of football’s growing influence in Ireland.
The spokesperson added that players like Parrott, Kelleher, and Ogbene are now central figures in Irish sporting culture, a space that may have previously been dominated by rugby stars. Despite this shift, Katie Taylor’s continued dominance at the top of the rankings speaks volumes about her lasting legacy and the deep respect she commands among Irish supporters.
