Dutch club AZ Alkmaar's Irish striker Troy Parrott scores twice in the opening match of the Eredivisie
Ireland's Footballers Shine in English Championship and Beyond
The weekend of August 16-17, 2025, saw a number of Irish footballers making their mark in the English Football League Championship and other divisions. Here's a roundup of their performances.
Troy Parrott continued his impressive form, scoring twice for AZ Alkmaar in a 4-1 Eredivisie win over Groningen. Parrott has now scored a total of seven goals in all competitions since the start of European qualifiers.
In the Championship, Troy Parrott's fellow Irishman Jamie Mullins netted his first EFL goal for Wycombe in a 2-1 defeat to Stockport. Mullins, who joined Wycombe permanently from Brighton in the summer, also shone in his first two games for the club.
Bosun Lawal impressed for Stoke City in a 3-1 win over Derby, while Jaze Kabia scored a 92nd-minute equaliser for Grimsby in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Harrogate.
Ipswich Town started the Championship season with four Irish players, including Dara O'Shea as club captain. Chiedozie Ogbene returned after 287 days out with a ruptured Achilles for Ipswich Town, and Ryan Manning scored a goal and set up the winner for Wrexham in the same game against Southampton. Sammie Szmodics and Jack Taylor were also in Ipswich Town's starting XI.
Harvey Knibbs scored a dramatic late winner for Charlton Athletic against Watford, while David McGoldrick scored a 93rd-minute winner for Barnsley in their 3-2 win at home to Burton Albion.
Stephen McLaughlin scored for Mansfield Town in a 2-1 loss to Doncaster, and Jamie McGrath provided an assist for Hibernian in their 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock.
Cian Hayes and David Okagbue started for Peterborough in the same game, and Killian Phillips and Roland Idowu lined up for St Mirren in their 0-0 draw with Motherwell.
Eiran Cashin, recently signed on loan, was an unused sub for Birmingham City, and Hull City's bench included Ireland Under-19 prospect Cathal McCarthy.
Gavin Bazunu produced a world-class stop in a game between Southampton and Wrexham, and Ryan Manning's goal against Wrexham is being called a goal of the season contender.
It's clear that Irish footballers are making a significant impact in the English Football League Championship and other divisions, and fans will be eager to see how they continue to perform in the coming weeks and months.
Troy Parrott and Jamie Mullins, both hailing from Ireland, showcased their skills in European-leagues as Parrott scored twice for AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie, while Mullins netted his first EFL goal for Wycombe in the Championship. Moreover, Bosun Lawal and Jaze Kabia, two Irish footballers, stood out in their respective matches in the Championship and League Two, respectively.