Eddie Brennan | Joe Canning | Ollie Canning | DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan
Martin Comerford | Lar Corbett | Brendan Cummins | Ronan Curran
Ger Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Damien Fitzhenry | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Michael Kavanagh
Eoin Kennedy | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Larkin | Derek Lyng
Fergus McMahon | Seanie McMahon | Johnny McIntosh | Andrew Mitchell
Stephen Molumpy | Pat Mulcahy | John Mullane | Sean Óg Ó Hailpin
Andrew O'Shaughnessy | Ben O'Connor | Seamus Prendergast
Keith Raymond | Eoin Quigley | Joe Rabbite | Keith Rossiter | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | James Skehill | Tommy Walsh | Brian Whelehan | James Young
Galway corner back Ollie Canning has had so much success at every level of hurling it’s hard to believe that he doesn’t have a All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship medal to his name.
He tasted All-Ireland Championship success with his club Portumna last year as they put on an impressive performance at Croke Park. Remarkably, Portumna only won their first ever county championship in 2003. At under-age level, Ollie was an immediate success with Minor All-Ireland’s in 1992 and 1994 and an All-Ireland U-21 medal in 1996.
He made his senior championship debut as a substitute against Wexford that year but decided to retire from the county scene a couple of years before returning in 2000. Since then, he has deservedly gained recognition as one of the best defenders in the game. He won the National League with Galway in 2000 and 2004 and picked up All-Star Awards in 2001, 2003 and 2005.
However, the greatest prize of all has been elusive. With new manager, Ger Loughnane now in charge, there is a great buzz around the county and maybe Ollie won’t have to wait too long before that All-Ireland winner’s medal is his.
What was Galway’s hardest match in the 2006 Championship?
We were very disappointed with our display against Kilkenny. We had worked very hard all year but it just didn’t happen for us on the day. When it’s knock-out you have no second chances. With Ger Loughnane taking over he will bring a lot of new ideas and I think the future looks bright.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland Club title last year was great, but winning the County Championship in 2003 was extra special. It was our first ever county title and it meant the world to us.
Who are the toughest team you have ever faced?
Kilkenny are an awesome team.
Who are the toughest opponent out there?
Tipperary’s Eoin Kelly. He’s one of the hardest players to mark in the game.
How do you balance your work and hurling?
It can be tough at times but I have a very supportive boss who understands the effort I have to put in.
Which players do you admire the most?
The top player for me at the moment is Henry Shefflin.
Who was your childhood hero?
The great Joe Cooney was a real hero of mine. Also Seán Treacy who played for Galway and now coaches Portumna.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
I play for Portumna and I’d say our biggest rivals are Athenry. We have had a lot of big games against them in the last three or four years.
Do you play any other sports?
Golf and swimming.
What’s the most important skill in the game, in your opinion?
Ground hurling is the greatest skill in my opinion. It is the best way to keep the ball moving when you don’t have the time and space to pick it up.
What are your hopes for the future?
I would live to win an All-Ireland title with Galway and win a few more county championships with Portumna.
What advice would you give to young players?
Give it everything at training and the rewards will come on the field of play. Always listen to your coaches as they give up a lot of their time and deserve respect.
Name: Ollie Canning
Age: 30
Team: Galway
Debut: 1996 v Wexford
Position: Corner-Back
Honours:
3 National Hurling League titles,
1 All-Ireland U-21 title,
2 All-Ireland Minor titles,
1 All-Ireland Club title,
1 Connacht Club title,
2 County Club titles,
1 Railway Cup title,
3 All-Star Awards.
Club: Portumna
Fav Food: Pasta and chicken
Fav Music: Scissor Sisters
Fav Film: Any Given Sunday
Fav Team: Liverpool
Hobbies: Swimming and walking my dog
Occupation: Contract manager with the Kirby Group Building Engineers CÚL FACT: When Portumna won their first county title in 2003, there were five Cannings on the team, Ollie, Joe, Ivan, Davey and Frank on the bench.
© December 2006 |
