O’Loughlin ready for tense derby battle with Kildare

JOHN O’LOUGHLIN has seen a lot since his first GAA training session. Having played on minor, U21 and senior Laois football teams in the same year, he also juggled hurling with the county while giving his all to club and college teams. Now 22, he’s assumed a leadership role with the footballers. Playing his club football with Dublin’s St Brigid’s, the midfielder’s experience is far greater than most of his age.

On Sunday he’ll need it.

Kildare-Laois derbies may not roll off the tongue when the big rivalries in the GAA are discussed, but it’s an unforgettable experience for anyone who’s ever been in O’Moore Park or the cauldron that is Conleth Park in Newbridge for one of these occasions.