JOE CANNING WILL be a key part of the Galway team that face off against Clare in senior hurling combat in Thurles on Sunday.
The teams meet in an All-Ireland quarter-final tie that will evoke memories of the wonderful and thrilling U21 hurling tie at Semple Stadium that Canning starred in between the counties in 2009.
Clare claimed the honours after extra-time in that Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 hurling semi-final in a remarkable game by 3-23 to 5-15. Canning helped himself to a stunning haul of 4-7 yet wound up on the losing side.
He wasn’t the only player from that game who will be a key figure in next Sunday’s tie as Canning’s teammates in that U21 game included James Skehill, David Burke and Aidan Harte.
And there’s a large chunk of the Clare team that will be familiar opponents as well. Darach Honan was the scoring star of that Clare U21 team as he fired 2-4 against Galway in that game.
Colin Ryan (0-8) and Conor McGrath (1-1) were others to impact in the scoring stakes for Banner in that match.
While Donal Tuohy, Domhnall O’Donovan, Nicky O’Connell, Patrick O’Connor, Cian Dillon, John Conlon and Sean Collins are others currently involved with Davy Fitzgerald’s senior squad.
2009 All-Ireland U21 hurling semi-final
Clare 3-23
Galway 5-15
CLARE: D Touhy; J Gunning, E Glynn, C O’Doherty; D O’Donovan, N O’Connell (0-1, f), P O’Connor; E Barrett, C Chaplin; J Conlon (0-3), C O’Donovan (0-1), S Collins (0-2); D Honan (2-4), C Morey (0-1), C Ryan (0-8, 4f, 2’65).
Subs: C Dillon for Gunning (20), C McGrath (1-1) for O’Connor (30), C Tierney (0-2) for Morey (47), P Kelly for Collins (78).
GALWAY: J Skehill; S Quinn, C Daly, M Dolphin; D Connolly, B Regan, C Forde; D Burke (0-1) , S Óg Linnane; K Keehan, A Harte (1-2), E Forde (0-3); A Dolan (0-1), J Canning (4-7, 2p, 1-3 f, 2sl, 1’65), N Quinn (0-1).
Subs: K Killilea for Dolan (40), B Daly for Linnane (49), G Burke for Teehan (53), J Ryan for S Quinn (69), Linnane for Forde (78).
Referee: Cathal McAllister (Cork)
Here’s the highlights from normal time in that game:
YouTube: hurlingtime
The first half of extra-time:
YouTube: hurlingtime
And the dramatic conclusion to that game in the second-half of extra-time:
YouTube: hurlingtime
Top bloke
R.i.p Micheal.
Might not be very well known outside of Clare but Michael was an excellent athlete and beyond that an absolute gentleman. Condolences to his friends and family.
@The Irish Pain: and great craic to go with that #honthebanner
@The Irish Pain: He was known in Limerick, where he served, and was well thought of amongst his colleagues. He will be sorely missed.
That’s the third young person this week that I’ve hear who has died so tragically from cancer. It’s so prevalent.
God rest him and condolences to his family and friends.
I’m fuming, he was an absolute top guy and the official GAA page wouldn’t put it up on their page!! After numerous messages I got “A chara”
I’m not your friend you money grabbing tight waste of spaces!! He dedicated his time and energy to play a game he loved and you can’t dedicate your fat finger to acknowledge him!!
@Eadaoin Cummings: You’ll be happy to hear it’s now on the front page of gaa.ie. Utterly heartbreaking.
@Rock Stoneballs: after us messaging them since last night, it went up on the dublin page before they got their fingers out!!
Very sad for his poor wife and child. May they and his extended family find comfort in the memories of a short life that was well lived. RIP and thank you for your service to your county and your country.
R.I.P. and condolences to his family and friends. Very sad.
RIP Michael
R.I.P.