Luke Loughlin is recovering after collapsing on the pitch during a match. Photo: Sportsfile
Westmeath football star Luke Loughlin has received a positive injury update after being hospitalised over the weekend.
Lining out for Clonkill in the Westmeath senior hurling championship on Sunday, Loughlin collapsed on the pitch at TEG Cusack Park, having rejoined the action after being treated for a blood injury.
There followed a lengthy delay as the player was treated and then taken to Regional Hospital Mullingar, but his club has now confirmed that he is on the road to recovery.
Contacted by the Irish Independent on Monday, a Clonkill official revealed: “He was brought to Mullingar Hospital by ambulance. He had a CT scan, and it was clear. They kept him in overnight for observation, and hopefully he’ll be getting out today.”
Loughlin, a Westmeath regular under Dessie Dolan, is a talented dual performer who plays club football with the Downs and hurling with Clonkill.
There was huge concern among spectators at the Mullingar venue when Loughlin went to ground without any intervention by a rival Castletown-Geoghegan player. He had scored a brilliant first-half goal but then, in the second period, shipped a high tackle that resulted in his opponent being sent off by former All-Ireland referee Barry Kelly.
Loughlin temporarily came off as he was bleeding around his mouth/face. In the meantime, one of his Clonkill teammates suffered an ankle injury and medics from both teams went to attend this player, who was stretchered off.
According to eye-witnesses, Loughlin went back on after his blood injury was treated, only to suffer what may have been a delayed concussion. Both teams returned to their dressing-rooms and after a long hold-up – estimated at 35-40 minutes – the match resumed. Castletown-Geoghegan went on to win by 0-27 to 3-11.
One observer pointed out that the entire episode had been handled well by stewards, medics and everyone concerned, with spectators kept informed about the match delay and eventual resumption.
