The Republic of Ireland were held to a goalless draw by North Macedonia as Troy Parrott had two goals ruled out, in a friendly played five days after Ireland’s World Cup hopes ended in Prague. The match — staged at the Aviva Stadium in front of 39,560 spectators — offered little consolation for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side, who had aimed to salvage pride and potentially notch a third consecutive home win, their best run since 2015–16, but instead finished with a disappointing stalemate.
Parrott, the AZ Alkmaar striker, was Ireland’s most dangerous figure throughout. The home side started positively but often lacked the final ball to create clear openings for Parrott or Chiedozie Ogbene. An early set-piece threat saw John Egan fail to direct an 11th-minute corner towards goal, and Ogbene’s 14th-minute snapshot was diverted over the bar.
Caoimhin Kelleher was required to parry Enis Bardhi’s 21st-minute free-kick after it took a deflection off the wall, and Bardhi then volleyed over when the corner was only partially cleared. North Macedonia keeper Stole Dimitrievski comfortably kept out Parrott’s 23rd-minute header, a chance fashioned from a move that began with Dara O’Shea and Finn Azaz. Azaz was fouled outside the area shortly after and his subsequent free-kick drifted wide.
Chances continued to come and go. Parrott was slipped into a promising position by James Collins Knight (Knight) nine minutes before half-time but missed the target, then hurried another opportunity two minutes later after Azaz’s clipped pass. As the second half unfolded Parrott turned and struck the upright on 52 minutes when Azaz connected with Seamus Coleman’s pass. Later, Azaz bent an effort wide and a clear run by Parrott was halted by a Tihomir Kostadinov block as Ireland pushed for a breakthrough.
Veteran full-back Seamus Coleman, 37, received a long standing ovation from the crowd when he was substituted in the 61st minute — an emotional moment that could mark his final appearance for Ireland. Hallgrimsson then made several changes which disrupted Ireland’s rhythm and the match lost momentum.
In stoppage time Parrott twice found the net but both goals were correctly ruled out for offside. Substitute Johnny Kenny missed a late opportunity to snatch victory, firing weakly at the keeper, and the game finished 0-0. The squad will regroup for end-of-season friendlies as they prepare for next season’s Nations League and the start of Euro 2028 qualifying.