[1] MacLoughlin was born in Ballinasloe, County Galway, and is a son of historian Tadhg Mac Lochlainn.
Dubai Duty Free CEO Colm McLoughlin is his younger brother.
[2] A Connacht provincial player, MacLoughlin spent most his career in North East England, briefly with brother Ray at Gosforth, before beginning a long association with another Gosforth based club Northern FC.
He gained his only Ireland cap at the late age of 34, as a tighthead prop against Australia at Lansdowne Road in 1976.
[3][4] MacLoughlin has continued to live in Newcastle and was the inaugural president of the Irish Exiles, helping foreign based players such as Ross Nesdale gain Ireland selection.