Canning Draws Praise
Talking Balls
Veteran hurling manager Ger Loughnane has seen a fair few decent hurlers come and go over the years, but even he must be excited at the prospect of working with Portumna’s ace Joe Canning this summer.
Yesterday at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick we caught a glimpse of what we can expect over the next couple of months. Not since Setanta O hAilpin came onto the scene has the appearance of a young hurler come burdened with such expectation and excitement.
Joe Canning did not disappoint with his repertoire of shooting and passing. Bringing other players into the game has long been an integral part of his game often overlooked as he posted big scores in big matches with monotonous frequency. Yesterday he hit three points from play and finished off with the coup de grace - a swerving sideline cut into the wind from about sixty metres out that bent in alarmingly to sail over the bar. Another cameo showed his focus and bravery as he flicked the ball away one handed amidst a melee of players having lost his hurley. The Corkman pulled on regardless - committed to the strike, and young Joe appeared to get a sore enough lookin’ oul welt round the hole.
With sidelines set to be the fashionable score of choice this summer - Ben O’Connor and Eamon Corcoran also landed a couple yesterday - Joe Canning will certainly catch the imagination and can do wonders for promoting hurling. Said Loughnane:
“The amazing thing about Joe is that he is so calm. Before the game it was like he was going out to play a challenge match for Portumna. People are always looking at what he scored. But it’s what he does off the ball and brings others in to the game. It’s his unselfishness and the vision he has. They are also characteristics that people often underestimate.”
Sez Joe: “I just take every match as it comes,” he said. “It isn’t any different to any other game I played in my life so you have to approach every game as if it is your last.”