Current U20 team may be the daddy of all in Tyrone
THE latest Canavan to emerge from the Tyrone conveyor belt announced himself on the national stage over the weekend with an 0-8 haul in the All-ireland under-20 semi-final.
In echoes of his father Peter’s formative days in the red and white jersey, Ruairi helped to put Kerry to the sword and set up an All-ireland final date with Kildare on Saturday.
It will be Tyrone’s first final at the grade since 2015, when the competition was under-21.
Ruairi’s famous father Peter has an astonishing record at under-21 level, scoring 2-3, 2-5 and 0-7 in three straight All-ireland finals (1990-92).
The current team also contains Michael Mcgleenan – a son of former Tyrone All-ireland finalist and ex-cavan manager, Mattie - tipped by many to go into the senior squad. Another classy former Tyrone star of the early 90s, Adrian Cush has a son in the side, Conor.
Iconic midfielder of the 1980s and 90s, Plunkett Donaghy also has a son, Steve, in the team. The team is managed by Paul Devlin, who played alongside Canavan, Cush and Mcgleenan for Tyrone.
In his heyday, Peter Canavan was always a team player and he has clearly instilled that into his sons.
“We worked hard for each other throughout and that was key,” said Ruairi. “We knew at half-time that the work rate was there and that we were just missing the quality at times.
“They got a goal at the start of the second half and they then quickly went four clear but we have been in this position before this season and we didn’t panic.
“Sean O’donnell’s block towards the end of the game was crucial but that just epitomised the spirit within this team.
“There is no giving up, no matter what way the game is going. That is what it takes to get over the finish line in big games like this.”