Canning retires Galway defender and three-time All Star Ollie Canning last night announced his retirement from intercounty hurling, insisting his decision has nothing to do with the controversy surrounding last year's county hurling final, but rather his enthusiasm for the game had dropped considerably, reports Ian O'Riordan.
The 30-year-old wasn't part of Ger Loughnane's panel announced this week, though he had yet to return to county training since the controversy surrounding his club, Portumna, and opponents Athenry in the Galway hurling final last October, where his younger brother, Joe, was left with facial wounds.
"Associating my retirement with the county final of last year is wide of the mark and I refuse to entertain this suggestion," said Canning. "I have played for many years with Galway and have enjoyed the journey. Sadly, my enthusiasm for the game at intercounty level has dropped considerately. I feel if there are doubts in my mind of whether to return or not, this really brings into question my desire to continue. Bearing in mind the huge sacrifices that are required in the modern game, I would not be happy returning to the squad fearing my commitment may fall short of what is required.
"I have been involved for a long time and maybe the consistent training and competition has finally caught up with me at this level. . . . I will continue to play for my club Portumna and I would like to wish the Galway team and management every success in the coming years."
An All Star winner at corner back in 2001, '03 and '05, Canning also won two All-Ireland minor medals and at under-21, plus three National Leagues, but was on the losing end of two All-Ireland finals - in 2001 and '05 - while gaining some consolation by winning an All-Ireland club title last year.
O'Neill to lead Mayo
Kevin O'Neill will lead the Mayo team out against Kerry in Sunday's National Footbal League opener, a repeat of last September's All-Ireland final pairing. Mayo manager John O'Mahony informed O'Neill of the management's decision on Sunday at a challenge match against Louth which Mayo won. Peadar Gardiner was named as vice-captain for the coming season.
In brief . . . Cavan champions Mullahoran have dismissed a story linking former Mayo manager Mickey Moran with them . . . Leitrim boss Dessie Dolan will miss Sunday's opening league game against Offaly as he is still recuperating in hospital from illness . . . Tipperary footballer Declan Browne has declared himself fit for a 12th season of intercounty fare. He will lead the side in Ardfinnan on Sunday against Sligo.
