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02 July 2008
Clooneys victory in the 1986 Intermediate Hurling Final was a very welcome win. Having come so close in 1985, losing that Final following a Replay to St. Josephs, Doora/Barefield, capturing the Title with a one-point win over Corofin was greeted with joyous scenes by the Clooney supporters. Pat O'Loughlin was Captain, as always, leading by example. Here is what he had to say..........
Name: Pat O’Loughlin
Age: A mature 50
Where are you now? Corbally, Quin
What Years did you play for Clooney? The 60’s to the 90’s
Highlights? Being Captain of the Intermediate Championship winning team in 1986 was the greatest honour. We also won the League in 1979. Playing Senior for 4 years was another highlight.
Those you went into Battle with? I played with some terrific lads. John Duggan, "Parnell" Clune, Mike "Boxer" Lynch, Mike Murphy. I also enjoyed playing with Fr. Pat Littleton and Michael Hayes. I played in front of two great goalkeepers, Sob O’Brien and James Reynolds.
Who were your trainers? Johnny Duggan and John Lynch. They would load their cars up to the roof and head off to the matches. I remember one day, we were to play in Kilhishen and Johnny Duggan collected us very early for the game. We ended up footing turf for an hour in Ballyblood bog on the way to the match. He had an army of helpers.
Who was your toughest opponent? There was a Begley from Clonlara who was a handful. Flan Davoren from Corofin, along with the Keane brothers, Milo and Michael from Kilnamona.
Heroes? There were only two- Seán Stack and Seán Hehir.
What were your most memorable moments? We won the Intermediate League in 1979, and for the divelment, we went from Newmarket straight over to Teddy Murphys in Tulla to celebrate. Anna Murphy was a very nice Lady. She always looked after the Clooney crowd.
