JACK CANN GO THE DISTANCE

GALWAY minor boss Jeff Lynskey says Tribesmen prodigy Jack Canning has the right backing to make it big for the county.

The latest talent to emerge from the renowned Portumna family scored 2-2 in Galway’s All-ireland minor final victory over Cork in September.

He recently took part in an AFL Combine at UCD and has featured for Cistercian College Roscrea in Leinster schools senior cup rugby.

But the GMIT student has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of uncle Joe Canning.

“He is coming from the Canning household, they are well versed at dealing with players who have played at the highest level. He has got good parents there so that’s a key part of it,” said Lynskey.

“He is going to college in GMIT and you are hoping with his education that will keep him grounded.

“Obviously he will be involved with the U-21s next year as he has finished his Leaving Cert now.

“He will be involved with them and his club but it’s a step by step fashion with these guys.

“You have got to be patient. They are going to get knocks along the road, injuries will kick in and you are just hoping that they are going to get exposed to the right people.” A NEAR flawless showing in 2017, their only blip coming in a second round League game which they lost at home to Wexford, ultimately costing them promotion from Division 1B.

However, they went on to win 11 successive games to claim League, Leinster and All-ireland titles to crown the most glorious year in the county’s hurling history. While Michael Donoghue’s men were clearly the best team in 2017 their dominance wasn’t such that they are clear frontrunners for 2018, however. There appears to be a gap between them and the rest in Leinster though, which gives them an ideal platform to challenge again in late summer.