The late Pat McLoughney is pictured second from the left in the front row of the Offaly team for the 1980 Leinster Hurling Final. (Photo: Offaly GAA)

Offaly hurling legend dies aged 68

The sad passing of Offaly hurling legend Pat McLoughney was announced today (Tuesday)

The Coolderry man, who was 68 years of age, died after a short illness. 

In a statement at lunchtime today, Offaly GAA said it was "saddened" by the news. 

"Pat was corner back on the Offaly team that defeated Kilkenny 3-17 to 5-10 to win the county’s first Leinster Senior hurling title in 1980," said the statement. 

"He lined out for Offaly on 54 occasions between League and Championship making his debut in 1971 and playing his final game in 1980. 

"He was a selector with Offaly Senior teams under managers Eamon Cregan (winning All-Ireland’s in 1994 & 98), Michael Bond, Fr Tom Fogarty and Joe Dooley 

"He won three Offaly Senior Championship medals with Coolderry in 1977, 80 & 86 and was a selector with their most recent winning team of 2015.

"To his wife Rita, son Eddie, daughters Louise and Fionnuala, brother John, sister Nora relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy."

Pat will be reposing at his residence, Ballybeg, Brosna, Birr on Wednesday afternoon from 4pm with rosary at 8pm. 

His (private) removal will take place on Thursday morning at 10.30, arriving to St Ita's Church Coolderry for funeral mass at 11 am. Burial afterwards in Ettagh Cemetery. 

Family flowers only have been requested with donations, if desired, to the Irish Cancer Society.

May he rest in peace.