We knew it was bad. We didn’t know it was this bad.
Joe Canning was in the wars in Galway’s narrow All-Ireland semi-final loss to Tipperary. He took 70 minutes of punishment in 25 minutes of action before his body finally gave in.
Canning limped from the field, distraught. He probably knew how badly he had torn his hamstring.
Tests revealed that it was not just a tear but a shearing of muscle from bone. It was similar to the injury that eventually ended the rugby careers of Paul O’Connell and Johnny Holland.
Canning’s older brother, Ollie, told Galway Bay FM that he would not play for his club, Portumna, again this season.
During our GAA Hour Hurling Show, this week, Galway hurling legend Damien Hayes revealed the extent of Canning’s lay-off. The three-time All Star said:
“He was an awful loss to Galway on the day and he’s an awful loss to us as a club… Joe had an operation and, at the moment, he’s going around on crutches. I feel sorry for him.
“It’s disappointing for everyone and it was completely unfortunate. It’s a killer blow for us… We were speaking to him last night and you just feel awful for him.
“He’s a write-off for the season. He told us [he is out for] five months. It’s a huge blow for us. Top players like that can’t be replaced.”
Hayes is hopeful that Canning will come back fitter and stronger, perhaps mentally refreshed from the break too.
Come September 17, Canning will be cheering on his clubmates as they take on St Thomas in the county quarter finals.
