Club success the spur for Cannings

PORTUMNA’S All-Ireland Club success last month was the critical factor in Ollie and Joe Canning’s decision to play for the Galway seniors this year, according to Ger Loughnane.

The former Allstar defender has committed to the Connacht county having sat out the inter-county season in 2007. He now joins younger brother Joe, who made his senior debut against Cork in Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds last weekend.

“I suppose there has been a lot of emphasis on the Cannings over the last two years,” said the Galway manager. “There is no secret and I am not going to hide it. Most of it went back to incidents in the county final a few years ago, which is water under the bridge now.

“I think what lanced that boil was Portumna winning the All-Ireland club this year. After that it was all put to bed. Once that was put to bed I think the road was clear for Joe and Ollie to come back.”

Loughnane admitted that it was something of a risk for Ollie to return after his time out but added that it was a chance worth taking for both player and team considering his qualities.

The former Clare manager was also quick to praise Joe’s temperament and talent while adding: “He will be a marked man in every game he plays. He is literally a marked man after last Sunday.”