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.

Previous displays don’t matter. For the 10,000 plus fans at the game this is the big one. The derby of all derbies for most Lilywhite and Laois followers.

“The form tends to go out the

window,” he said.

“It’s very hard to predict and hard to call. It’s all in the day, whatever team is up for it more and can play the better football.

“You’re trying to get the competitive edge. It’s the same all over the country. Cork and Kerry, Dublin and Meath. Laois and Kildare, they’re very close to each other and it’s a real derby.”

Three wins from three games would make you think Laois would be favourites for the game. But the bookies don’t agree and have put Kildare in at 8/11. Home venue in a tight derby seems to has given Kieran McGeeney’s men the nod.

O’Loughlin knows it will be tight and tense but hopes his team can come away with another victory.

“I’ve played them in a few league and championship matches at senior level but any time we do play them there’s always a big rivalry and it’s a tense game,” he said.

“We’re not thinking about how we’re going in the last three games. Fair enough we’ve got three (wins) out of three but this is a new game for us and a new challenge. I’m hoping we can play the football and win the game.

“Primarily we’re looking for the two points and hopefully put in a good performance.”

A big game on the back of a couple of big months for O’Loughlin. His focus is on Sunday but with Sigerson action taking up his time, he was a prime target for burnout. Something he dismissed.

“I’ve no problems with it.

” I was devastated we didn’t win. I’m just enjoying the games and looking forward to them.”

Picture: John O’Loughlin: Has assumed leadership role with Laois.