Two weeks after collapsing on the same pitch, birthday boy Luke Loughlin made a sensational return for Clonkill as they recorded a surprise Westmeath SHC Round 3 victory over Raharney at TEG Cusack Park.

There were worrying scenes when the Westmeath football star was treated by medics during a long stoppage in Clonkill’s previous outing against Castletown-Geoghegan. He collapsed not long after being treated for a blood injury and was removed to hospital where he was later given the all-clear.

Held in reserve until the 26th minute yesterday and celebrating his 27th birthday, Loughlin illuminated a brilliant contest with a stunning one-handed goal in the 39th minute. He also scored a point and made one of Oisín Murray’s three goals as Mickey Dan Murtagh’s charges edged out the champions by 4-16 to 1-23.

In the second part of the TEG Cusack Park double-header, Castletown-Geoghegan recovered from a slow start to overcome Lough Lene Gaels by 1-18 to 2-10 and leave themselves within touching distance of a semi-final place.

 

This brilliant goal from Luke Loughlin helped Clonkill edge past Raharney by 2 points, 4-16 to 1-23, in a thrilling Slevins Coaches Senior A Hurling Championship Round 3 encounter at TEG Cusack Park this afternoon.#westmeathgaa#whclubchamp2024 pic.twitter.com/uzkI50vwb0

— Westmeath GAA (@westmeath_gaa) August 18, 2024

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