Ger O'Loughlin
Encyclopedia
Ger 'Sparrow' O'Loughlin (born 5 September 1967 in Clarecastle
, County Clare
, Ireland
) is an Irish
former hurling
manager
and retired player.
An effective forward, O'Loughlin enjoyed a successful playing career at club level with Clarecastle
and at inter-county level with Clare. He was a key member of the latter team during the 'golden age' of the 1990s and collected two All-Ireland
titles and three Munster
titles in the space of four years.
After a successful spell as manager of his native club Clarecastle, O'Loughlin took charge of the Adare
club in Limerick. During his term the club captured three club championship
titles in-a-row. O'Loughlin's tenure as manager of the Clare senior team last from 2009 until 2011 and ended without any success.
In 1986 Clarecastle were back in a second consecutive county championship final. Feakle were the opponents on this occasion, however, Clarecastle made history by retaining the title for the first time. It was O'Loughlin's second county title. The club later represented Clare in the Munster
and even reached the final of the competition. Borrisoleigh of Tipperary provided the opposition, however, O'Loughlin's side were defeated by 1–13 to 1–9.
Three-in-a-row proved beyond O'Loughlin's side, while Clarecastle were beaten by Sixmilebridge
in the county final of 1989.
In 1991 O'Loughlin lined out in a fourth county championship decider. Scariff
were the opponents, however, the title went to Clarecastle.
Three years later in 1994 Clarecastle were back in yet another county final. Up-and-coming club side St. Joseph's Doora-Barefield provided the opposition, however, they were no match for Clarecastle. O'Loughlin added a fourth county title to his collection inside of nine championship seasons.
Defeat in the county final of 1996 gave Clarecasle the impetus to make amends in 1997. St. Joseph's Doora-Barefield line dout in opposition, however, Clarecastle had too much and won the game. It was O'Loughlin's fifth county championship winners' medal. Clarecastle subsequently represented the county in the provincial club series of games and even reached the final. Limerick champions Patrickswell
provided the opposition, however, a 2–11 to 0–15 score line gave Clarecastle the title and gave O'Loughlin a coveted Munster club winners' medal. A defeat of St. Gabriel's of London in the All-Ireland quarter-final saw O'Loughlin's side advance to a semi-final meeting with Birr
. A thrilling 1–15 to 3–9 draw was followed by an even more exciting replay with extra-time. A narrow 0–12 to 0–11 score line gave Birr the win and saw Clarecastle exit the championship.
This was O'Loughlin's last major occasion with Clarecastle. He retired from club hurling in 1999.
minor and under-21 hurlers, O'Loughlin quickly joined the senior hurling team for the 1986–87 National Hurling League
. Clare reached the final of the competition that year and lined out against Galway
. O'Loughlin's side just fell short that day and lost the game by 3–12 to 3–10.
The next few years proved to be an unhappy time for the Clare hurling team as they struggled against the traditional hurling powers in the provincial championship. O'Loughlin lined out in his first Munster final in 1993. Tipperary
were the opponents on that occasion, however, the game turned out to be a complete disaster for Clare. A final score line of 3–27 to 2–12, in favour of Tipp, resulted in a humiliating trouncing for Clare.
In 1994 Clare were back in the Munster final for a second consecutive year. Limerick provided the opposition in O'Loughlin's second provincial decider; however, the result was a familiar one. Clare were completely overwhelmed and were trounced yet again by 0–25 to 2–10.
In 1995 Ger Loughnane
took over as manager
of the Clare senior hurling team and made sweeping changes. New fitness regimes and new personalized diets and, above all, a new psychological approach, resulted in the fittest and most prepared Clare team ever taking to the field for a third consecutive Munster final. Limerick were the opponents for a second consecutive year and took an early lead. Clare never surrendered and, thanks to an inspirational penalty by goalkeeper Davy FitzGerald
, fought back to win by 1–17 to 0–11. It was O'Loughlin's first Munster title and Clare’s first since 1932. A subsequent defeat of Galway gave Clare the right to line out in Croke Park
for the All-Ireland final. Reigning champions Offaly
provided the opposition on that occasion in what was the first ever meeting of these two sides in the championship. The game developed into a close affair with Offaly taking a half-time lead. Four minutes from the end substitute Éamonn Taaffe
first timed a long range free straight into the net to give Clare a one-point lead. After a quick equalizer captain Anthony Daly
calmly sent over a 65-metre free to give his team the lead again. Jamesie O'Connor
pointed soon afterwards and at the full-time whistle Clare were the 1–13 to 2–8 winners. O'Loughlin had just won his first All-Ireland
medal. He was later presented with a coveted All-Star
award.
In 1996 Clare dramatically lost their Munster and All-Ireland titles in a first-round meeting with Limerick. The winning point by Ciarán Carey
has been described as one of the greatest match-winners of all-time.
In 1997 Clare were back on form and reached the Munster final once again. Tipperary, a team regarded as one of the aristocrats of hurling, provided the opposition on that occasion. It was an occasion to savour for O'Loughlin as Clare won a close and exciting game by 1–18 to 0–18. It was his second Munster winners' medal. The introduction of the new ‘back-door’ system resulted in both Clare and Tipperary meeting for the second time in the first all-Munster All-Ireland final. The game itself was one of the best of the decade. Clare were well on top for much of the game, however, Liam Cahill
and Eugene O’Neill scored twice for Tipp in the last ten minutes. John Leahy
missed a goal chance in the last minute while another Tipp point was controversially ruled wide. At the full-time whistle Clare won by a single point – 0–20 to 2–13. In winning the 1997 All-Ireland final Clare defeated Cork, Kilkenny
and Tipperary – the big three of hurling. In doing so they became only the second team ever, along with Waterford in 1959, to achieve this.
In 1998 Clare were once again the favourites to take a third All-Ireland title in four years. The Munster final victory over Waterford in a replay was an ill-tempered affair, with many citing it as the beginning of the end for Clare’s great run of success. It was O'Loughlin's third Munster winners' medal. Clare's next game was an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Offaly. Clare were the red-hot favourites, however, it took a late equalizer by Jamesie O’Connor to secure a draw. The replay was a bizarre affair. With two minutes left to play Clare were 1–16 to 2–10 ahead and looked destined for victory, however, referee Jimmy Cooney blew the full-time whistle. The Offaly supporters launched a sit-down protest on the pitch at Croke Park and a second replay was granted. By this stage O'Loughlin's side were exhausted and lost the game by 0–16 to 0–13.
O'Loughlin retired from hurling at the end of the 1999 championship.
In 2003 O'Loughlin became a selector under Cyril Lyons
on the Clare senior hurling team. It was an unsuccessful year for 'the banner county'. After defeating Tipperary
in the opening round of the Munster championship, Clare were subsequently defeated by Cork in the semi-final. A defeat by Galway
in the All-Ireland qualfiers saw Clare exit the championship and brought an end to the county's managerial team.
. This victory gave him a unique distinction of winning club titles with Clarecastle as a player and as a manager.
in time for the 2007 championship season. His first year in charge was a huge success as Adare qualified for their first county final since 2003. Nearby rivals Croom provided the opposition, however, the game was a largely one-sided affair. A 0–14 to 0–5 victory gave Adare the title and gave O'Loughlin his first success with the Limerick club.
A second consecutive appearance in the final of the county championship saw Adare take on hurling kingpins Ahane
. O'Loughlin's side were supremely confident going into the game and easily won the game by 0–13 to 0–8.
In 2009 Adare set out to make history by winning a third county title in succession. O'Loughlin was expected to remain as manager, however, he announced his surprise intention to step down as manager at the club’s annual dinner dance in March. He later reversed his decision and guided the club to their third consecutive appearance in the final of the county championship. Na Piarsaigh
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, the game was a complete mismatch. A 1–17 to 0–3 trouncing gave Adare their third title in-a-row under O'Loughlin's management.
to resign. This saga continued for many weeks. As the pressure mounted on McNamara to go, O'Loughlin was touted as a possible successor. Another contender for the yet to be vacated post was John Minogue
, manager of the All-Ireland-winning Clare under-21 team.
On 17 December 2009, O'Loughlin was ratified by the Clare county board to succeed McNamara as manager of the county's senior hurling team. He was the only nominee for the position.
Clare
started the year in Division 2 of the National Hurling League
. They made it to the final where they faced Wexford
but lost out 1-16 to 2-09. On 7 June 2010, he made his Championship debut as manager against Waterford
in the 2010 Munster Senior Hurling Championship
, where Clare lost by 1–15 to 0–22. Clare
then entered the All-Ireland Qualifiers where they played Dublin
, it was not a good day as Dublin
ran out 2-22 to 0-15 winners ended Clare
's year.
In 2011 Clare
once more started the year in Division 2 of the league
and for the second year in a row made the final. This time they faced fellow Munster side Limerick
however they were on the losing side once more on a 4-12 to 2-13 scoreline.
Clare
started there Championship
with a Munster Semi-Final with All-Ireland Champions Tipperary
, despite a brave showing four Tipperary goals proved the difference as they ran out 4-19 to 1-19 winners.
Once again Clare
entered the Qualifiers thiss time they took on Galway
however they once again fell to a hevy loss 4-25 to 0-20.
Following the loss O'Loughlin steped down as manager on 7 July 2011.
Clarecastle
Clarecastle is a village located just south of Ennis, in County Clare, Ireland. Over the past ten years the village has a rapidly increasing population due to its close proximity to Ennis, Shannon and Limerick, and also less than an hour away from Galway city....
, County Clare
County Clare
-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
) is an Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
former hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
manager
Manager (Gaelic games)
In Gaelic games, a manager or coach is an individual involved in the direction and instruction of the on-field operations of a team. Managing, or coaching, entails the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game itself, and usually entails substitution of players and other such...
and retired player.
An effective forward, O'Loughlin enjoyed a successful playing career at club level with Clarecastle
Clarecastle GAA
Clarecastle GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in the village of Clarecastle in County Clare, Ireland.-Honours:*Clare Senior Hurling Championship:11**1943, 1945,1949, 1970, 1986, 1987, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2003, 2005...
and at inter-county level with Clare. He was a key member of the latter team during the 'golden age' of the 1990s and collected two All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
titles and three Munster
Munster Senior Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
titles in the space of four years.
After a successful spell as manager of his native club Clarecastle, O'Loughlin took charge of the Adare
Adare GAA
Adare GAA club is a GAA club based in Adare, west County Limerick, Republic of Ireland. Hurling is more popular in the village.Adare have reached the county senior hurling final on 11 occasions, most recently in 2009 when they defeated Na Piarsaigh...
club in Limerick. During his term the club captured three club championship
Limerick Senior Hurling Championship
The Limerick Senior Hurling Championship is an annual club competition between the top Limerick Clubs. The winners of the Limerick Championship qualify to represent their county in the Munster Club Championship and in turn, go on to the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship...
titles in-a-row. O'Loughlin's tenure as manager of the Clare senior team last from 2009 until 2011 and ended without any success.
Club
O'Loughlin played his club hurling with his local team in Clarecastle and enjoyed much success during a golden age for the club. In 1986 he lined out in his first final of the county senior championship. O'Callaghan's Mills provided the opposition on that occasion, however, Clarecastle emerged as the winners. It was O'Loughlin's first county title.In 1986 Clarecastle were back in a second consecutive county championship final. Feakle were the opponents on this occasion, however, Clarecastle made history by retaining the title for the first time. It was O'Loughlin's second county title. The club later represented Clare in the Munster
Munster Senior Club Hurling Championship
The Munster GAA Club Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for the top hurling clubs in the province of Munster in Ireland...
and even reached the final of the competition. Borrisoleigh of Tipperary provided the opposition, however, O'Loughlin's side were defeated by 1–13 to 1–9.
Three-in-a-row proved beyond O'Loughlin's side, while Clarecastle were beaten by Sixmilebridge
Sixmilebridge GAA
Sixmilebridge is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in Sixmilebridge, County Clare, Ireland.-History:Sixmilebridge Hurling Club was founded in 1904. The first recorded matches were at Junior hurling and football level against Newmarket on Fergus with the hurlers winning and the footballers losing...
in the county final of 1989.
In 1991 O'Loughlin lined out in a fourth county championship decider. Scariff
Scariff GAA
Scariff is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in Scariff, Clare, Ireland.-History:There is very little record of the first few years of Scariff Hurling Club, but it has almost certainly always been a senior club. Not until 1907 did Scariff play in their first senior county final...
were the opponents, however, the title went to Clarecastle.
Three years later in 1994 Clarecastle were back in yet another county final. Up-and-coming club side St. Joseph's Doora-Barefield provided the opposition, however, they were no match for Clarecastle. O'Loughlin added a fourth county title to his collection inside of nine championship seasons.
Defeat in the county final of 1996 gave Clarecasle the impetus to make amends in 1997. St. Joseph's Doora-Barefield line dout in opposition, however, Clarecastle had too much and won the game. It was O'Loughlin's fifth county championship winners' medal. Clarecastle subsequently represented the county in the provincial club series of games and even reached the final. Limerick champions Patrickswell
Patrickswell GAA
Patrickswell GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the small village of Patrickswell in County Limerick, Ireland. The club is almost exclusively concerned with the game of hurling.-Honours:*Munster Senior Club Hurling Championships: 2...
provided the opposition, however, a 2–11 to 0–15 score line gave Clarecastle the title and gave O'Loughlin a coveted Munster club winners' medal. A defeat of St. Gabriel's of London in the All-Ireland quarter-final saw O'Loughlin's side advance to a semi-final meeting with Birr
Birr GAA
Birr GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the town of Birr in County Offaly, Ireland. The club is almost exclusively concerned with hurling and are one of the most successful club hurling teams in the country.-Honours:...
. A thrilling 1–15 to 3–9 draw was followed by an even more exciting replay with extra-time. A narrow 0–12 to 0–11 score line gave Birr the win and saw Clarecastle exit the championship.
This was O'Loughlin's last major occasion with Clarecastle. He retired from club hurling in 1999.
Inter-county
After enjoying little success with the ClareClare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
minor and under-21 hurlers, O'Loughlin quickly joined the senior hurling team for the 1986–87 National Hurling League
National Hurling League
The National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
. Clare reached the final of the competition that year and lined out against Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
. O'Loughlin's side just fell short that day and lost the game by 3–12 to 3–10.
The next few years proved to be an unhappy time for the Clare hurling team as they struggled against the traditional hurling powers in the provincial championship. O'Loughlin lined out in his first Munster final in 1993. Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
were the opponents on that occasion, however, the game turned out to be a complete disaster for Clare. A final score line of 3–27 to 2–12, in favour of Tipp, resulted in a humiliating trouncing for Clare.
In 1994 Clare were back in the Munster final for a second consecutive year. Limerick provided the opposition in O'Loughlin's second provincial decider; however, the result was a familiar one. Clare were completely overwhelmed and were trounced yet again by 0–25 to 2–10.
In 1995 Ger Loughnane
Ger Loughnane
Ger Loughnane is a Irish hurling manager and former player. He played hurling with his local club Feakle and with the Clare senior inter-county team in the 1970s and 1980s...
took over as manager
Manager (Gaelic games)
In Gaelic games, a manager or coach is an individual involved in the direction and instruction of the on-field operations of a team. Managing, or coaching, entails the application of sport tactics and strategies during the game itself, and usually entails substitution of players and other such...
of the Clare senior hurling team and made sweeping changes. New fitness regimes and new personalized diets and, above all, a new psychological approach, resulted in the fittest and most prepared Clare team ever taking to the field for a third consecutive Munster final. Limerick were the opponents for a second consecutive year and took an early lead. Clare never surrendered and, thanks to an inspirational penalty by goalkeeper Davy FitzGerald
Davy FitzGerald
David Fitzgerald is an Irish hurling manager and former player. He is a former manager of the Waterford senior hurling team....
, fought back to win by 1–17 to 0–11. It was O'Loughlin's first Munster title and Clare’s first since 1932. A subsequent defeat of Galway gave Clare the right to line out in Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
for the All-Ireland final. Reigning champions Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
provided the opposition on that occasion in what was the first ever meeting of these two sides in the championship. The game developed into a close affair with Offaly taking a half-time lead. Four minutes from the end substitute Éamonn Taaffe
Éamonn Taaffe
Éamonn Taaffe is an Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club Tubber and was a member of the Clare senior inter-county team in the 1990s. Taaffe scored Clare's only goal in their 2-point victory over Offaly in the 1995 All-Ireland Final. This was Clare's first All-Ireland win in 81...
first timed a long range free straight into the net to give Clare a one-point lead. After a quick equalizer captain Anthony Daly
Anthony Daly (hurler)
Anthony Daly is an Irish hurling manager and former player. He is the current manager of the Dublin senior hurling team....
calmly sent over a 65-metre free to give his team the lead again. Jamesie O'Connor
Jamesie O'Connor
Jamesie O'Connor is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club St. Joseph's Doora-Barefield and with the Clare senior inter-county team from 1993 until 2004.-Biography:...
pointed soon afterwards and at the full-time whistle Clare were the 1–13 to 2–8 winners. O'Loughlin had just won his first All-Ireland
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
medal. He was later presented with a coveted All-Star
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
award.
In 1996 Clare dramatically lost their Munster and All-Ireland titles in a first-round meeting with Limerick. The winning point by Ciarán Carey
Ciarán Carey
Ciarán Carey is an Irish hurling selector and player. He is currently a selector with the Limerick senior hurling team....
has been described as one of the greatest match-winners of all-time.
In 1997 Clare were back on form and reached the Munster final once again. Tipperary, a team regarded as one of the aristocrats of hurling, provided the opposition on that occasion. It was an occasion to savour for O'Loughlin as Clare won a close and exciting game by 1–18 to 0–18. It was his second Munster winners' medal. The introduction of the new ‘back-door’ system resulted in both Clare and Tipperary meeting for the second time in the first all-Munster All-Ireland final. The game itself was one of the best of the decade. Clare were well on top for much of the game, however, Liam Cahill
Liam Cahill
Liam Cahill was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Ballingarry and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team in the 1990s and 2000s. Cahill transferred to play for Thurles in 2007, winning a County Senior Hurling medal with them in 2009...
and Eugene O’Neill scored twice for Tipp in the last ten minutes. John Leahy
John Leahy (hurler)
John Leahy is a former Irish sportsperson. He played senior hurling with the Tipperary inter-county team from 1988 until 2003. He also represented Tipperary in all grades in Gaelic Football. He is regarded as a great hurler in Tipperary.-Early life & private life:John Leahy was born in...
missed a goal chance in the last minute while another Tipp point was controversially ruled wide. At the full-time whistle Clare won by a single point – 0–20 to 2–13. In winning the 1997 All-Ireland final Clare defeated Cork, Kilkenny
Kilkenny GAA
The Kilkenny County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland and is responsible for Gaelic Games in County Kilkenny. The county board has its head office and main grounds at Nowlan Park and is also responsible for Kilkenny inter-county teams...
and Tipperary – the big three of hurling. In doing so they became only the second team ever, along with Waterford in 1959, to achieve this.
In 1998 Clare were once again the favourites to take a third All-Ireland title in four years. The Munster final victory over Waterford in a replay was an ill-tempered affair, with many citing it as the beginning of the end for Clare’s great run of success. It was O'Loughlin's third Munster winners' medal. Clare's next game was an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Offaly. Clare were the red-hot favourites, however, it took a late equalizer by Jamesie O’Connor to secure a draw. The replay was a bizarre affair. With two minutes left to play Clare were 1–16 to 2–10 ahead and looked destined for victory, however, referee Jimmy Cooney blew the full-time whistle. The Offaly supporters launched a sit-down protest on the pitch at Croke Park and a second replay was granted. By this stage O'Loughlin's side were exhausted and lost the game by 0–16 to 0–13.
O'Loughlin retired from hurling at the end of the 1999 championship.
Early experience
Shortly after his retirement from hurling in 1999, O'Loughlin became involved as a selector with the Clarecastle senior hurling team. He spent three years with the club, however, he enjoyed little success during his first stint as a member of a managerial team.In 2003 O'Loughlin became a selector under Cyril Lyons
Cyril Lyons
Cyril Lyons is a Irish hurling manager and former player. He played hurling with his local club Ruan and with the Clare senior inter-county team from 1983 until 1996. Lyons later served as managed of the Clare senior inter-county team from 2000 until 2003...
on the Clare senior hurling team. It was an unsuccessful year for 'the banner county'. After defeating Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
in the opening round of the Munster championship, Clare were subsequently defeated by Cork in the semi-final. A defeat by Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
in the All-Ireland qualfiers saw Clare exit the championship and brought an end to the county's managerial team.
Clarecastle
By 2005 O'Loughlin was back with Clarecastle, this time as manager of the club's senior hurling team. That year he guided his own native club to the county title following a 0–9 to 0–7 victory over Wolfe TonesWolfe Tones na Sionna GAA
Wolfe Tones is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in Shannon in County Clare, Ireland.-Honours:2011Clare Feile na nGael ChampionsU14 Hurling County ChampionsClare Feile Peil ChampionsAll Ireland Feile Peil Finalists...
. This victory gave him a unique distinction of winning club titles with Clarecastle as a player and as a manager.
Adare
O'Loughlin crossed the border from Clare to Limerick and took charge of club side AdareAdare GAA
Adare GAA club is a GAA club based in Adare, west County Limerick, Republic of Ireland. Hurling is more popular in the village.Adare have reached the county senior hurling final on 11 occasions, most recently in 2009 when they defeated Na Piarsaigh...
in time for the 2007 championship season. His first year in charge was a huge success as Adare qualified for their first county final since 2003. Nearby rivals Croom provided the opposition, however, the game was a largely one-sided affair. A 0–14 to 0–5 victory gave Adare the title and gave O'Loughlin his first success with the Limerick club.
A second consecutive appearance in the final of the county championship saw Adare take on hurling kingpins Ahane
Ahane GAA
Ahane GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club located in the Ahane, Castleconnell and Montpelier areas of east County Limerick, Republic of Ireland. The club fields teams in both hurling and football and historically is regarded as one of the great clubs of Limerick. Ahane's greatest players...
. O'Loughlin's side were supremely confident going into the game and easily won the game by 0–13 to 0–8.
In 2009 Adare set out to make history by winning a third county title in succession. O'Loughlin was expected to remain as manager, however, he announced his surprise intention to step down as manager at the club’s annual dinner dance in March. He later reversed his decision and guided the club to their third consecutive appearance in the final of the county championship. Na Piarsaigh
Na Piarsaigh GAA (Limerick)
Na Piarsaigh is a Gaelic Athletic Association club situated on the north side of Limerick City, Ireland. It was founded in 1968. Na Piarsaigh competes in both the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship and the Limerick Intermediate Football Championship....
provided the opposition on that occasion, however, the game was a complete mismatch. A 1–17 to 0–3 trouncing gave Adare their third title in-a-row under O'Loughlin's management.
Clare
In 2009 the Clare senior hurling team was in crisis. After a disastrous showing in the National League and near relegation from the championship, a majority of the players retired from inter-county activity as they believed that it was time for team manager Mike McNamaraMike McNamara
Michael "Mike" McNamara is a retired Irish hurling manager and former player. He played hurling with his local club Scariff from the 1960s until the 1980s...
to resign. This saga continued for many weeks. As the pressure mounted on McNamara to go, O'Loughlin was touted as a possible successor. Another contender for the yet to be vacated post was John Minogue
John Minogue
John Minogue is an Irish hurling manager and former player. He is the current manager of the Clare under-21 hurling team....
, manager of the All-Ireland-winning Clare under-21 team.
On 17 December 2009, O'Loughlin was ratified by the Clare county board to succeed McNamara as manager of the county's senior hurling team. He was the only nominee for the position.
Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
started the year in Division 2 of the National Hurling League
National Hurling League 2010
The 2010 National Hurling League was the 78th season of the National Hurling League. 35 teams competed in the league.Galway were the champions, defeating Cork in the final....
. They made it to the final where they faced Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
but lost out 1-16 to 2-09. On 7 June 2010, he made his Championship debut as manager against Waterford
Waterford GAA
The Waterford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Waterford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for all levels of Gaelic games in County Waterford. The County Board is also responsible for the Waterford inter-county teams. The county...
in the 2010 Munster Senior Hurling Championship
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2010
The GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship 2010 was the 114th staging of Ireland's premier hurling competition since its establishment in 1887. A total of thirteen teams competed in the championship, with Tipperary unseating the four-time defending champions Kilkenny by 4-17 to 1-18 in the...
, where Clare lost by 1–15 to 0–22. Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
then entered the All-Ireland Qualifiers where they played Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
, it was not a good day as Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
ran out 2-22 to 0-15 winners ended Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
's year.
In 2011 Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
once more started the year in Division 2 of the league
National Hurling League 2011
The 2011 National Hurling League was a Hurling competition run by the Gaelic Athletic Association between February and May 2011. It was contested by 35 county hurling teams—34 from Ireland , and London. Dublin won the Division 1 title after a 0-22 to 1-7 win against Kilkenny in the final at Croke...
and for the second year in a row made the final. This time they faced fellow Munster side Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
however they were on the losing side once more on a 4-12 to 2-13 scoreline.
Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
started there Championship
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 2011
The 2011 GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship was the 123rd staging of the All-Ireland championship since its establishment in 1887. The draw for the 2011 fixtures took place on 7 October 2010. The championship began on 14 May and ended on 4 September 2011...
with a Munster Semi-Final with All-Ireland Champions Tipperary
Tipperary GAA
The Tipperary County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or C is one of over 30 regional executive boards throughout the world. These executive boards are known as County Boards even though some no longer correspond to the area under the jurisdiction of the counties from which their names...
, despite a brave showing four Tipperary goals proved the difference as they ran out 4-19 to 1-19 winners.
Once again Clare
Clare GAA
The Clare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Clare GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Clare. The county board is also responsible for the Clare inter-county teams....
entered the Qualifiers thiss time they took on Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
however they once again fell to a hevy loss 4-25 to 0-20.
Following the loss O'Loughlin steped down as manager on 7 July 2011.
Clarecastle
- Munster Senior Club Hurling ChampionshipMunster Senior Club Hurling ChampionshipThe Munster GAA Club Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for the top hurling clubs in the province of Munster in Ireland...
:- Winner (1): 1997
- Clare Senior Hurling Championship:
- Winner (5): 1986, 1987, 1991, 1994, 1997
- Runner-up (2): 1989, 1996
Clare
- All-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
:- Winner (2): 1995All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1995The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship of 1995 was the 109th staging of Ireland's premier hurling knock-out competition...
, 1997All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship 1997The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship of 1997 was the 111th staging of Ireland's premier hurling competition...
- Winner (2): 1995
- Munster Senior Hurling ChampionshipMunster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Munster GAA Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1888 for the top hurling teams in the province of Munster in Ireland....
:- Winner (3): 1995, 1997, 1998
- Runner-up (2): 1993, 1994
- National Hurling LeagueNational Hurling LeagueThe National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
:- Winner (0):
- Runner-up (2): 1986–87, 1994–95
Adare
- Munster Senior Club Hurling ChampionshipMunster Senior Club Hurling ChampionshipThe Munster GAA Club Hurling Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Munster Council of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1964 for the top hurling clubs in the province of Munster in Ireland...
:- Winner (0):
- Runner-up (1): 2008
- Limerick Senior Hurling ChampionshipLimerick Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Limerick Senior Hurling Championship is an annual club competition between the top Limerick Clubs. The winners of the Limerick Championship qualify to represent their county in the Munster Club Championship and in turn, go on to the All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship...
:- Winner (3): 2007, 2008, 2009