Canning’s touch of class sums up role of GAA in Irish life

JOE CANNING’S glorious role in calmly guiding Galway to their first All-Ireland title in 29 years has won him admirers throughout the country. The greatest hurler of his generation in the opinion of the majority of fans had owed it to both himself, and his county, to deal with the ultimate pressure of September and land the big one.

That he did in style last Sunday with a composure that has been the lingering trademark of his entire 2017 Championship.

The Liam MacCarthy Cup was eventually transferred from Galway captain and inspirational midfielder David Burke to Canning’s grasp – the most assured pair of hands in the game today.

But before that happened and while Burke and his colleagues were celebrating on the steps of the Hogan Stand – and in so doing taking their place in a snapshot in history – Canning remained on the field.

By standing there, and refusing to leave the side of Margaret Keady and her daughter Shannon, we witnessed one of Ireland’s greatest sportsmen transcend what should have been the defining moment in his long career. We also saw Canning acting as a good friend and staying true to the memory of one of Galway’s former legends – Tony Keady.

In formally embracing the Keady family, and asking them to be part of the amazing day that was last Sunday, GAA leaders also showed outstanding compassion and an alertness to one heart-broken family. The association should be thanked by all of its members for doing so.

Canning (below), however, stood a man above everyone else. At a time in our modern game when hurlers and footballers are regularly accused of demanding far too much in terms of recognition, and return, he left us with an important message at the end of the 2017 season. He reminded us that the GAA remains one strong family.