Loughney made fewer domestic appearances in the following season, making five starts and five substitute appearances in the 2009–10 Celtic League. In that year's Challenge Cup Loughney was on the bench for most of Connacht's group games, but started the final group game away to Olympus Madrid. Loughney didn't play in the quarter final against Bourgoin, but came on as a replacement for Brett Wilkinson in the semi-final against Toulon, as Connacht were beaten 19–12 in the Sportsground.