Player Profile: Harry McLoughlin

The 5th week of voting is over, and you have voted Johnny Kenny and Harry McLoughlin as Sligo Rovers Greatest Wingers of All Time. Now we take a look at Harry McLoughlin, who one of the most important goals in the Club's History as he struck to bring the FAI Cup home to Sligo in 1983 for the first time in their history.

Photo from homepage.eircom.net/~sligoroverssc/

Harry joined the club as a replacement for Paul McGee when he departed the club after winning in 1977 after winning the League.

Harry was probably one of the most feared wingers in the League, as he just tormented defences time and time again, this was evident from his home debut as he proved a handful for the Galway defence.

The Goalkeepers of this League wouldn't have to happy to hear him playing either, as he was a regular goalscorer. One of those goals was possibly the single Greatest moment in the club's history.

On a rainy day in Lansdowne in 1983, Tony Stenson had equalized for Sligo Rovers to make it 1-1 to keep the FAI Cup dream alive. With 7 minutes remaining, Martin McDonnell found the ball at his feet, he showed great vision as he picked out Harry McLoughlin with a long ball out of the Rovers half. Harry had acres of space to make his mind up as he took a small touch, before lobbing the ball over Dermot O' Neill after spotting him well off his line. Rovers held onto to the lead to create an important moment of history for the club.

Harry sets up for his famous goal

It truly was a goal to savour, and the commentator couldn't have put it any better: "It was a goal worthy of winning any Cup Final".

Harry spent a couple of more seasons with Rovers then had brief spells with Finn Harps and Longford Town before retiring. Harry made 315 appearances for Rovers, scoring 49 goals. Not bad for a defender! When any fan goes to name his team, its no wonder this man's name always comes up.

Just for your viewing pleasure, here is that goal:

Next up in the votes will for Sligo Rovers Greatest Centre-Midfielders, voting can begin soon and you can view the All-Time XI as it currently stands on the homepage.