Westmeath blow as Loughlin ruled out for season

Westmeath have been dealt a major blow to their Leinster SFC hopes with confirmation that ace forward Luke Loughlin will miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring tear and ruptured tendon.

The Downs club player sustained the injury during Westmeath's win over Meath in the provincial quarter-final and was forced to leave the play on 50 minutes.

Loughlin made a significant contribution to the Lake County's win over the Royals scoring six points from play and proving influential over the game's duration until his substitution.

The 30-year-old was initially ruled out of Sunday's semi-final with Kildare in Glenisk O'Connor Park Tullamore but now it has been revealed that his injuries require surgery.

Taking to Instagram, Loughlin revealed the extent of his injuries.

"Today I got the news that I more than likely won't play sport again this year, never mind with Westmeath!

"I have a grade 4C hamstring tear and tendon rupture and I'll need surgery which I found out is not good.

"To think I had it in my head I was going to try and feature at the weekend".

Loughlin added that he was delighted to be involved in the "highs and lows" of the last few weeks and to share the Meath win with "mam and one of my brothers I'll cherish forever".

Acknowledging that injuries are "definitely part of sport", Loughlin said he was determined to "stay positive".

"All you can do now is starve the distractions and feed the focus and get back hungrier and sharper than ever. It's all part of the journey".