While Sheflin underperformed by his incredibly high standards a year ago, it is worth pointing that the bulk of Canning's scores came against Laois and Antrim. And then there was the Cork game where he scored 1-5 from play and what a terrific performance that was.

But this is 2009 and so far Canning has struggled.

All the talk about what he does outside of scoring is rubbish as well. Against Clare, any ball that went in his general direction, James McInerney won it. Shane O'Neill and Eoin Cadogan won anything that went in when Joe was FF bar the chance that he missed too. So far, his only contribution to the Galway cause has been his impeccable free-taking. And whilst a free-taker like Joe is a valuable asset to any team, the fact remains that in his last three games Canning has been virtually anonymous from open play.

Loyal2TheRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 4522 - 22/07/2009 22:37:00    357647

Canning probably has struggled a bit this year but thats understandable with the pressure he's under.
But another stat shows that Henry Shefflin (only comparing the two because that's who most have compared him with on this thread) has only scored 3 points from play this year.
Could it be that he is past his best and now, therefore, overrated?

Sisco87 (Tipperary) - Posts: 759 - 22/07/2009 22:51:29    357669

Any chance McIntyre and the boys could get Loyal2TheRoyal away from the TV and into the Waterford dressing room before throw in to tell the Decies lads that that lad Canning can't hurl atall ? He could bring his excel spreadsheet in with him to prove it

Maroonatic (Galway) - Posts: 1066 - 22/07/2009 23:02:28    357690

I'm a Galway man and have been watching Canning in club and county games since he was 15. The guy is a walking genius and has (practically) everything needed in a hurler. At the moment I think he's slightly burnt out. Between portumna, Galway (u-21 and senior) and L.I.T. he's been flat out for 3 years now, he also was injured coming into the championship. At the moment he's at about 70% of his potential, watched Cork/Galway today and he did play fairly well from play, only player to test Donal og and everytime he tuched the ball Galway looked like scoring. Don't worry, he'll be back to 100% soon, and god help anyone in his way.

only_way_is_up (Galway) - Posts: 99 - 22/07/2009 23:33:47    357721

Sisco, thanks, your making my point for me. Shefflin was superb against Galway and was immaculate from placed balls in both games. But even if he had a stinker against Galway he's still be a great as he's done it all over a 10 year period. If however we were assessing him on those 2 games alone, I'd say he hasn't done near enough yet to earn a place amongst the greats. But Shefflin HAS earned his reputation, Joe hasn't yet. That's precisely the point here.

If Joe were not scoring so well from frees, and we were assessing him on his overall contributions from play AND his scores from play this year, his report card would read "Satisfactory, but can do much better". Anyone that denies that is denying the reality of the situation.

CodyisGod (Kilkenny) - Posts: 20 - 22/07/2009 23:38:12    357725

Well said onlywayisup. Canning is obviously a huge talent who is not yet performing near his expected standard apart from placed balls. It will probably come with time and for the good of Hurling I certainly hope it does. Until that time, Joe will have to wait to be rated alongside the Shefflins, Kellys and O'Connors of the hurling world.

CodyisGod (Kilkenny) - Posts: 20 - 22/07/2009 23:47:24    357740

Cody:

Joe Canning-Satisfactory?!?! If he's satisfactory how did he get Young Hurler of the Year? How is Portumna so sucessful? Portumna doesn't have a history of sucess until he showed up. How were the Galway Minors and Under 21s so good since he's been there? Same with that Limerick University he went to. Why did Sean Og of Cork single out the 20 year old??? Was it because Canning is SATISFACTORY?!?! Am I getting through to you yet?

pwalsh67 (Galway) - Posts: 100 - 23/07/2009 18:30:23    359069

I'm not sure what part of "performances at senior inter county level" you don't understand? No one disputes that Joe has done very well at club level, minor level, and U-21 level (save the notable exception of his poor performance in last years U-21 Semi Final). But if that's all he achieves then he will never be mentioned as a serious hurler, never mind a great. I'm talking about showing an ability to perform at an extremely high level on a reasonably consistent basis at SENIOR INTER COUNTY LEVEL, which is a huge step up from the hurling you're referring to. Apart from one performance against Cork last year, in 6 league and championship games against reasonable opposition since he has patently not lived up to the hype from general play. In terms of goal scoring (1 every 3 games) or points scoring (1 every 1.5 games), he has not YET done what would be expected of someone with his lofty reputation. If he was producing the consistent performances that John Mullane and Noel McGrath have been so far this year, then there'd be no argument whatsoever. The fact is he hasn't come close to those players, and untiil he does the jury is still out.

CodyisGod (Kilkenny) - Posts: 20 - 23/07/2009 21:44:47    359293

Just because he's not running up big scores from play does not mean he's not making a major contribution to the team.

Greengrass (Louth) - Posts: 6178 - 30/07/2009 18:31:32    370346

Greengrass
County: Louth
Posts: 162

370346 Just because he's not running up big scores from play does not mean he's not making a major contribution to the team.

How would you describe his contribution to the Galway cause outside of placed balls in 2009? For me, it has been well below average. Obviously, he has done it for the Galway u21s, LIT, Portumna but up against real top class opposition like Kilkenny and Clare, he has struggled to make an impact. I'll be amazed if this player ever comes close to Henry Sheflin or John Mullane. Thats only my opinion and sure what do I know!?!

Loyal2TheRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 4522 - 30/07/2009 19:24:57    370408

Canning.......is involved alot in general play and individually.

He will be a legend if he keeps playing like he is

Cranky360 (Mayo) - Posts: 834 - 30/07/2009 19:58:15    370438

The words I posted were not mine Loyal they were those of Michael Duignan spoken during last Sundays game against Waterford . He obviously sees a lot that you don't. As you said ,but sure what do you know. I do think that Michael Duignan is well qualified to judge Joe Cannings abilities and contributions. Now will you finally give it a rest.

Greengrass (Louth) - Posts: 6178 - 30/07/2009 22:14:19    370664

i'm starting to get sick of this now!

lostcat (Dublin) - Posts: 49 - 30/07/2009 22:45:55    370711

Joe Canning is suffering from second season syndrome. Not my words but the words of dual All-Ireland Ireland winning manager Ger Loughnane. I think, having coach young Joe for over two years, Loughnane would know than me and Duignan put together?

Loyal2TheRoyal (Meath) - Posts: 4522 - 30/07/2009 22:57:57    370732

no. joe will find full form at this level. be patient

proteuspal (Laois) - Posts: 423 - 30/07/2009 22:59:04    370736

No he definitely is not over-rated. He is however under-used by Galway and is constantly played too far from goal. The lad is lethal & his skill is a joy to watch. Even when he doesn't have the sliothar he strikes fear into any defender or goalkeeper if he's in their vicinity - as his ability to dispossess, hook or block down is marvellous.

He is better, in my opinion, that DJ was (and DJ was a true great) but he doesn't have the kind of team DJ had around him.

dingle1 (Clare) - Posts: 805 - 31/07/2009 01:01:19    370873

Wrong again. Ger Loughnane coached Joe Canning for one year. Joe opted not to play in the first of Ger Loughnanes reign. At least when you have something to say get your facts right. You are being entirely dishonest in what you say. Ger Loughnane has also said on numerous occasions that Joe Canning is an unbelieveable talent. Michael Duignan is also a very shrewd judge of talent. As I said previously his words not mine.How many All-Irelands has Michael Duignan won and how many have you won ? You yourself asked the question what do I know? Time as I said previously to give it a rest. It's very easy to be a begrudger.

Greengrass (Louth) - Posts: 6178 - 31/07/2009 01:05:49    370876

Wrong again. Ger Loughnane coached Joe Canning for one year. Joe opted not to play in the first year of Ger Loughnanes reign. At least when you have something to say get your facts right. You are being entirely dishonest in what you say. Ger Loughnane has also said on numerous occasions that Joe Canning is an unbelieveable talent. Michael Duignan is also a very shrewd judge of talent. As I said previously his words not mine.How many All-Irelands has Michael Duignan won and how many have you won ? You yourself asked the question what do I know? Time as I said previously to give it a rest. It's very easy to be a begrudger.

Greengrass (Louth) - Posts: 6178 - 31/07/2009 01:08:06    370880

Loyal,whatever about Sheff,he is already streets ahead of Mullane.

ACtribe (Galway) - Posts: 401 - 31/07/2009 02:14:00    370899

Joe Canning has been suffering from a groin strain for most of the season and is not even fully fit - this has been kept quiet for obvious reasons.

Bosco98 (Galway) - Posts: 127 - 31/07/2009 10:00:44    371007