I know he didnt have a great game Sunday (he was good but not great), but does anyone else think that Noel McGrath is a better hurler than Joe Canning? Canning to me seems like DJ used to be - good for a moment of brilliance and a classy goal or point, but McGrath is more like Shefflin - contributes more to the team as a whole than the scoreboard. His vision and ability to pick out a player is absolutely class, and he constantly dropped back around midfield on Sunday to help them out, yet he doesnt get the plaudits that Canning gets.

Pinkie (Wexford) - Posts: 4100 - 08/09/2010 13:36:09    768718

when mccgrath scores 08.03 in a club match your post might have some purpose, until then jog on mate.

P.Mus (Cavan) - Posts: 386 - 08/09/2010 13:52:45    768740

Or 2-12 in an inter county game....

Flanders (Galway) - Posts: 604 - 08/09/2010 13:56:51    768756

i think Noel McGrath is not as good as Canning in terms of winning possession and getting scores, but is very good at winning loose ball, think he had a very good final in the top 4 performers along with the two Mahers and Lar. Alot of people i no in tipp say he was some centre back when he was younger and has been fantastic for tipp at centre field in u21.
i think Canning is a better finisher but Noel McGrath can play anywhere

dubshurling7 (Dublin) - Posts: 1017 - 08/09/2010 13:59:31    768760

With joe getting all the plaudit's it takes the limelight away from noel mcgrath and relieves him of the pressure. Everday joe canning takes to the field there is huge pressure on him to perform. They are both great players with different quallties but I'd put joe ahead of noel... he scores more goals and is the focal point of the attack. noel mcgrath has only scored one championship goal and is more suited to a playmaker role.

GalwayBoy455 (Galway) - Posts: 26 - 08/09/2010 13:59:47    768762

P.Mus:

That was in a 7's game when neol plays a 7's game we'll see also portumna had a very strong team they had around 6 or 7 county men.

I think noel and canning have a similar style of hurling... canning would be a little biy bigger and stronger at the moment but noel would have the speed advantage.... Canning is still ahead but no doubt noel will overtake him hurling wise in the next few years.

Hag_and_Cheese (Tipperary) - Posts: 6103 - 08/09/2010 14:00:14    768763

First they build them up, then they knock them down.

It's far too soon for a statement like that!

Corrxxx (Kerry) - Posts: 584 - 08/09/2010 14:03:32    768766

Declan Brown scored something like 2-12 in an intermediate game for tipp in hurling before he decided to focus on football after an injury....

Also how much of cannings 2-12 was from play??

Hag_and_Cheese (Tipperary) - Posts: 6103 - 08/09/2010 14:05:33    768769

You cant compare anyone player with anyone from tipp. Because tipp ppl are that far up their own a..e they cant see further than their own nose

richiej (UK) - Posts: 1430 - 08/09/2010 14:14:49    768785

Hag! That game against Cork in Thurles where he got the 2-12 included a huge amount from play! He was knocking them over from everywhere while those around him crumbled.


Canning is a better player, but there can be no doubt McGrath has had a better year. JC has won tons of All Irelands (admittedly not the one we want!), and has often been the focal point of all those games, and dragged Galway teams that would otherwise have failed over the line. That said, he's needed a groin operation for almost 2 years now, and year round hurling is not helping him - Portumna to lose in the county might give him the rest he needs, although I can't see it happening.

However, McGrath is a magnificent hurler, had a great year, and a pointless debate like this only serves to distract from that! I wish we had more like these two - hurling would be all the richer for it!

abhainn (Galway) - Posts: 1000 - 08/09/2010 14:15:27    768786

Canning a great freetaker and taker of sideline cuts

Noel McGrath a superior hurler thats why he got young hurler of the year before Canning.

McGrath a better sticksman all round

thurlesblues (Tipperary) - Posts: 4475 - 08/09/2010 14:26:02    768798

abhainn:

How much from play exactly.... I'm not saying he not a great player but bringing in scores like that when only one of them takes free's could be a tad misleading

Hag_and_Cheese (Tipperary) - Posts: 6103 - 08/09/2010 14:26:57    768800

You cant compare anyone player with anyone from tipp. Because tipp ppl are that far up their own a..e they cant see further than their own nose

They saw a few Kilkenny noses being blown last Sunday ha ha ha greatest team of all time my a..e!!!!!!!!!!!

thurlesblues (Tipperary) - Posts: 4475 - 08/09/2010 14:27:58    768801

I appreciate that HAG - its a fair point. I don't know off the top of my head what he got against Cork from play that day, but at least 1-5 or so, with a couple of sideline cuts.
He's in a no win situation a lot of the time - he got a similar tally against Offaly this year and people giving out about him the following day! The problem with him is everyone expects miracles every time he plays.

Anyway, like I say, they're both exceptional hurlers.

abhainn (Galway) - Posts: 1000 - 08/09/2010 15:03:07    768848

Mcgrath Is a class act but Canning is better. The difference is that Mcgrath is playing in a exceptinal team of ball players and ball winners where Canning is not. Canning is only Galway forward who can win ball in the air and as a result always has 3 or 4 men marking him. Imagine what canning could do if he played withe the likes of Eoin Kelly and Corbett or shefflin and Larkin for Example.
Canning is the only player in the game that when he gets the ball 40m from goal you think " this man could get a goal from here".
Noel Mcgrath will play furthur outfield as time goes by as he is a great ball player with great vision but will never put up the scores that canning does on a regular basis. Dont forget the vision Canning has shown with his handpasses in All Ireland Club finals especially against Dela Salle. Also i dont think Mcgrath could put in a performace like the one Joe put in this year in a losing against Ballyhale. U

galwaybhoy (Galway) - Posts: 83 - 08/09/2010 15:03:52    768849

oi hag, are you still in australia mate??

Rhodejim (Offaly) - Posts: 2888 - 08/09/2010 15:12:01    768857

Two outstanding players. Both mens vision is exceptional

ConnollyDub (Dublin) - Posts: 2007 - 08/09/2010 15:17:53    768862

Rhodejim:

Nope I only went for a 3 week holiday....twas tiobraid who went to oz he's back too.

How's every thing in d'village, any tipp lads spilling in over the border on the session.... we know how much the offaly folk love tipp folk!

Hag_and_Cheese (Tipperary) - Posts: 6103 - 08/09/2010 15:48:50    768907

I agree, two exceptional talents but I have nt seen a better stick man with strength,vision ,accuracy and fielding like Joe before.

Not as fit as he ought to be though imo.(he wanna sort it out over winter)

McGrath has serious potential..will only get better and his centre forward play reminds me of shefflin, vision and distribution class.Also fantastic skill.

One of the best at the moment but not as good as Joe.(yet?)

endofstory69 (Cork) - Posts: 97 - 08/09/2010 15:55:40    768914

Endofstory, I agree with you on that - Joe is not very fit and against Wexford Keith Rossiter beat him to a lot of ball, his only chance is if he gets to the ball first or if someone breaks the ball to him.
What is the age difference do you know?

Pinkie (Wexford) - Posts: 4100 - 08/09/2010 16:09:59    768947