McGinty shrugs off attention following superb save
Ed McGinty has never been the type to seek the spotlight, and his reaction after producing one of the finest saves seen at Tallaght Stadium only confirmed it. The 26-year-old goalkeeper, known for his calm temperament and sharp reflexes, played a crucial role in Shamrock Rovers’ goalless draw with Santa Clara that secured their passage into the group stage of the Europa Conference League.
ICYMI: Liverpool boss coy on Alexander Isak transfer talk
A Moment of Brilliance
The defining moment came in the 70th minute when Vinicius Lopes unleashed a thunderous half-volley that seemed destined for the net. The crowd held its breath, waiting for the inevitable goal, but McGinty launched himself backwards, stretched at full reach, and managed to claw the ball over the crossbar. Rovers boss Stephen Bradley called it the “save of the season,” insisting fans would struggle to witness a better one this year.
A Humble Response
Despite the widespread praise, McGinty refused to bask in the glory. Instead, he downplayed the stop in typically modest fashion. “It’s just part of my job,” he said with a shrug. “It was a team performance over both legs. The gaffer talks me through things, keeps me calm, and that helps me trust the process.” McGinty admitted that, while it looked spectacular, his instincts simply took over in the moment.
Not His Best Save
Surprisingly, McGinty doesn’t even rank the save as the finest of his career. That distinction, he said, belongs to a stop he produced for Sligo Rovers against Dundalk in 2020, when he denied Brian Gartland’s powerful header. For him, staying engaged throughout the game—organizing defenders like Pico Lopes, Lee Grace, and Dan Cleary—is just as important as pulling off one big save.
Respect for the Opposition
McGinty acknowledged the quality of Santa Clara, praising their pace, movement, and individual skill over the two legs. He emphasized the importance of Rovers’ defensive discipline and communication in achieving what he described as a “brilliant result” for the club.
A Special Celebration
Beyond the football, the night carried extra emotional weight. McGinty paid tribute to Josh Bradley, son of manager Stephen Bradley, who recently finished cancer treatment. The young boy joined the squad and his father in celebrating with supporters at the South Stand, a moment McGinty called “the highlight of the night.” He added: “Josh means everything to us. To see him and the gaffer celebrating together was really special.”
