Kerry may lack 'hunger' required to retain All-Ireland, says Canavan

The Tyrone great expects an Ulster side to claim the Sam Maguire this year.

MAN WITH A VAN: In attendance during the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association’s official launch of the inaugural Club Summit, delivered by Amazon.ie is former Tyrone footballer Peter Canavan at Croke Park. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Tyrone great Peter Canavan has said he doesn't expect Kerry to hold onto the Sam Maguire Cup, predicting that an Ulster team will win this year's All-Ireland.

The former All-Ireland winning captain highlighted Derry as one to watch, tipping a rejuvenated Oak Leaf county under Ciaran Meenagh to win Ulster and to 'have a big say in the All-Ireland'.

Canavan was speaking at the launch of The Club Summit, a February 7 Croke Park conference delivered by amazon.ie that will bring together volunteers to offer practical support, shared learning and discussion.

He also gave an injury update on his two sons, revealing that Ruairi is facing six weeks out after pulling his hamstring against Down in the McKenna Cup last weekend. His other son, Darragh, is nearing full recovery after ankle surgery but may not be fit to feature against Kildare in the National League on Saturday week.

On the All-Ireland issue, Canavan claimed that Tyrone aren't among the top four contenders but said he expects the winners to come from the north, questioning whether Kerry will have the required 'hunger' in 2026.

"When you look at the age profile of Kerry, they're in a very good position," said Canavan. "When you look at the type of footballers they have, they're in a very good position, particularly when they have the best footballer of his generation.

"They're in the right province in terms of they'll be able to time their run well, like they did last year. So they have a lot of things going for them.

"Time will tell whether they have the hunger and the motivation. To be honest, I don't think they will. I think the winners of the All-Ireland will come from Ulster.

"I believe Donegal are a force again. I think Armagh haven't gone away and Derry is very much the emerging force in Ulster with Ciaran Meenagh back. They did regroup last year, they've steadied the ship and now with the injured players that they have back, Gareth McKinless, Conor McCluskey in particular, two All-Stars, they will have a big say. I'm expecting them to win Ulster and they will have a big say in the All-Ireland."

Canavan said that Galway also 'have the personnel to win an All-Ireland' and cast doubt on Kerry's ability to go back-to-back for the first time since 2006/2007.

"I think it will be hard for them to do it," he said. "There's no reason why they can't, and there's so many things in their favour, but to win back-to-back is extremely difficult. There's just a lot of really good teams and they'll all be biting at Kerry's heels and I think we'll have new winners. That's my take."