McIntyre: Lay off Canning

GALWAY hurling manager John McIntyre has launched a robust defence of Joe Canning — and warned the media to lay off his star player.

Following a 2010 season in which Canning admitted himself that he failed to live up to his own expectations, McIntyre took the opportunity at yesterday’s Allianz Hurling League launch to claim the press have been too hard on the Portumna man.

An inflamed heel injury has ruled Canning out of Galway’s Division One opener against Wexford on Sunday as they bid to retain their top-flight title.