Da Cunha settling into life as Galway United's number one
Former Portuguese underage international had to bide his time for his shance to shine
When Matty Wolfe wheeled away in celebration after firing Galway United 2-0 up against Sligo Rovers in last Saturday's derby, United’s goalkeeper, Hugo Da Cunha, raced over to the United bench to celebrate, where he was mobbed by those on the sideline.
Wolfe's goal was incredible, the midfielder going from one box to the other before firing past Sam Sargeant, but that was only possible because of the stunning pint-blank save by United's goalkeeper to deny Cian Kavanagh, the ball breaking for Wolfe to set off on his adventure the length of the pitch.
When it is put to him that the save was something special, the former Portuguese U-17 international says it was all part of the job.
"Yes, we are here to help the team. I contribute to help the team as my teammates do. I'm very happy for this win and for Wolfy for the goal, he deserves that. I celebrate with the bench because of the emotion of the game, and we are all one family here," says Da Cunha.
He has had to bide his time for his chance to shine, with Evan Watts starting the season as first-choice goalkeeper. Watts' return to Swansea City, however, has opened the door for Da Cunha, and he has taken his chance with excellent displays against both St Patrick's Athletic - he was United's standout player in the 3-0 defeat - and Sligo Rovers in his two League of Ireland appearances to date.
It is put to the giant shot-stopper - he stands at 6' 5" - that he must have needed incredible patience before getting his chance, but he says it is all part of the job.
"It is a goalkeeper's life, you can only play one [goalkeeper] in the game. We [goalkeepers] work very good together. I work very hard every day and waiting for my opportunity, and in life, like in football, like in other profession, we need to be patient and wait for our time," he says.
Being such a key figure in a derby win must have been extra-special, but Da Cunha says that while he understands the significance for the fans, the players need to treat every game the same and put in the same effort, no matter the opposition.
"I know the supporters, it is different for them than for us - it's just a one more game, we need to be ready for all games the same way, and I'm very happy this week.
There is the obligatory question as to how he has settled into life at United, and he says he is getting the best of two worlds.
"I love being here. I love the city. I love the fans, I love the club so much, and I'm at home. I am living a little bit outside the city, but when I have a day off, I like to come in to the city. I live in a small village, so I like the nature, I like to see the lakes, and then here [city], it's a very beautiful city and the seaside is lovely," he says.