Gearóid Hegarty pays tribute to 'one of the greatest ever' Joe Canning

Hegarty recalled Canning's debut year of 2008 and, in particular, how the powerful forward scored 2-12 of Galway's 2-15 tally in a Round 4 qualifier loss to Cork

Gearóid Hegarty, #HurlingToTheCore ambassador, pictured at the launch of Bord Gáis Energy's GAAGAABox, which features the most passionate hurling fans across the country filmed in their front-rooms as they experience the agony and ecstasy of following their counties' fortunes from home. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Reigning Hurler of the Year Gearóid Hegarty admits he grew up idolising Joe Canning, who scooped the same award himself in 2017.

Freshly retired Galway great Canning runs a restaurant in Limerick close to Shannonside star Hegarty's family house.