Proud Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley bent but not broken as Rovers exit Europe

Shamrock Rovers bowed out of the UEFA Conference League, however, they left with their heads held high according to proud manager Stephen Bradley.

The Hoops suffered the heartbreak of a penalty shoot-out defeat to Norwegian side Molde in front of a full house at Tallaght Stadium.

The epic adventure spanned two seasons, beginning last summer and continuing right past the start of the 2025 League of Ireland campaign, as Rovers made history, becoming the first Irish team to make it through to the knock-out phase of a European competition.

In the process, Rovers helped enrich the respectability of the Irish club scene while adding considerably to the financial health of the Dublin club as they first made the league phase before maintaining that momentum into the knock-outs.

And it looked as though they would make it through to the last 16 following their first leg away win before dominating the second leg, which saw the Hoops bombard their opponents who had to play the additional 30 minutes with just ten men.

But it wasn't to be, as Molde composed themselves for the deciding spot-kicks, while Rovers striker Aaron Greene would miss his effort, which would eventually end the Hoops’ hopes of progressing.

"We are really disappointed at the moment, we are hurting, it’s a difficult one to take," said Bradley, speaking at the post-match press conference.

"I thought we were the better team over two legs, I thought we deserved to go through, even after giving away a terrible goal and missing out on a penalty, but that’s football.

"It’s tough to lose it on penalties, but everyone to a man put in a shift tonight and on another night, we probably win, but that’s penalties, it’s the luck of the draw and tonight we were unlucky.

"I don’t think the