Joe Canning's genius has been appreciated by GAA fans across the country for a while, but there's another J. Canning starting to make some noise.
The star of the Tribesmen may be Joe Canning, but his nephew Jack might just be the future of the Tribesman.
Jack has already graduated to the senior ranks for his club Portumna, and he impressed at county level this year for the Galway minors. He was intrinsic to Galway's All-Ireland success scoring 1-3 against Clare in the quarter-finals, 1-4 against Kilkenny in the semis and the 2-02 he fired against Cork in the final was enough to earn him the Man of the Match accolade.
Strong, tall, skillful and with youth on his side, many have pegged the youngster to do great things for his county at senior level.
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He's best known for his hurling ability, but Jack is really an athlete. Ireland's national game isn't his only passion. He's also played rugby to a high level in school. As he explained onToday with Sean O'Rourke on Tuesday, he’d consider taking up a professional contract with Connacht, should they offer him one.
"I played Cistercian College Roscrea. I played senior Cup rugby in Leinster. I don’t know whether I’ll play more or not or stick with the hurling."
"It was always there in the back of my mind alright leaving school. I'll enjoy this year anyway and see how it goes. I'll have a look. I'll see. I’m not 100% sure what I'll pick. I'm sure it's still in the back of my mind and we'll see in the future."
Uncle Joe said he would back Jack's decision if he opted to pursue a career with the oval ball.
"It’s whatever he loves. It’s not about going down the road of playing rugby and being a professional. If you love hurling, be a hurler, if he wants to play rugby, then that’s fine as well. He might have a choice to make, but we’ll see in time."
Sage advice from a wise uncle.
