Why it’s all in the wrists for Clare captain O’Loughlin

O’Loughlin has come a long way since a career-threatening setback. Recently nominated for AIB club player of the year she will lead Clare out at Abbotstown today to face Antrim in the Very League Division 1B final

RISING HIGH: Clare Aine O’Loughlin with Cork’s Pamela Mackey and Laura Hayes. Pic INPHO/Ken Sutton

It was evident from early on that Áine O’Loughlin possessed ability, but being very tall, it was the ball-winning prowess that is still such a feature of her game that was utilised primarily.

In those days, athletic prowess might not have been so obvious, though good coaches and underage mentors are like the best horse trainers. They can see further down the track, don’t expect precocity from a physical frame that requires time to grow into itself, and won’t expose it to over-rigorous workloads to avoid doing damage.