Sligo Rovers have received a significant boost ahead of the new Premier Division season with the return of goalkeeper Ed McGinty on loan from League 1 side Oxford United until the end of June.
The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international left the Bit O' Red for Oxford in July 2022 for an undisclosed fee having established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the League of Ireland.
He played three league games and most notably an FA Cup tie with Arsenal, but has struggled this season after a hand injury and the arrival of James Beadle and now Jamie Cumming in the position.
Sligo have won the race for his loan signature in this window with several LOI clubs looking for a goalkeeper for the new season, including Bohemians.
Luke McNicholas' transfer from The Showgrounds to Wrexham was formally confirmed yesterday, meaning McGinty will take the number one shirt in Sligo this year.
Rovers boss John Russell said: "It's brilliant to get the deal done. Ed is a massive presence both on and off-the-pitch.
"He’s a quality goalkeeper as everyone knows, but he brings a lot more than that to the squad. I know there were a number of clubs in for him which is understandable given his quality, but he still has that desire to play for this club which is what makes him such a fans favourite.
"I know all our supporters will be looking forward to seeing him back in a Sligo Rovers shirt and we’re delighted to get the deal done."
Dundalk have also added a new goalkeeper with Ross County's Ross Munro replacing Nathan Sheppard.
The 23-year-old has been number two goalkeeper with the Scottish Premiership club and also won a League One winners medal during a loan spell at Raith Rovers four years ago.
He made his top-flight league debut for County against Dundee United in May 2022 and after starting all three of the Dingwall club's League Cup group games last July, he has been on the bench for 19 of their Premiership games this campaign.
"I felt it was time for me to go, spread my wings and forge a career for myself and when Dundalk came in for me it was something I wanted to do straight away," said Munro.
"They are one of the biggest clubs in Ireland and the ambition that Stephen (O'Donnell) has for this season and the years ahead is something that excites me.
"I want to win stuff and play in Europe and from speaking to him, that is something I think I can do here."
Munro will join up with fellow Scots Cameron Elliott, Jamie Walker and Darren Brownlie at Oriel Park.
Lilywhites head coach Stephen O'Donnell feels the signing is very positive given Munro is coming from the Scottish top flight.
"Ross has been operating at a high level," he said
"He’s been Ross County’s number two in the Scottish Premiership and he’s had some good loan moves so we’re delighted to bring him to Dundalk.
"He has a similar profile to the players we have in our squad and talent-wise, and character-wise, he is the kind of player we want at Oriel Park going forward."
Elsewhere, Waterford FC have added to their squad with winger Kacper Skwierczyński joining on loan from Polish outfit Ruch Chorzów.
The 21-year-old has six league appearance in the top flight of his home nation and featured in Legia Warsaw's reserve side previously.
Blues manager Keith Long is excited at the signing of a pacey and tricky winger.
He said: "Kacper's an exciting player; quick, good feet, good balance, will give the team good competition in wide areas, and hopefully get the fans excited.
"He’s an out-and-out winger coming from a good standard and good background from Legia Warsaw to then Ruch Chorzów, where he’s played for their first-team in the Polish Premier Division.
"Hopefully he will adapt quickly and hit the ground running in terms of coming into the group and playing for Waterford FC, so we’re looking forward to the options that he will give us.
"He can play off either side, he’s an exciting, young, tricky winger; full of those attributes that you look for in wide players."
