If anyone had any lingering doubts about Galway's hunger in he chase of a second successive All-Ireland win, this evening's performance against Wexford should put such fears to bed. After last weekend's convincing defeat of Kilkenny in Pearse Stadium, Joe Canning was once again the familiar face as Galway strengthened their hold on proceedings.
Taking it to Wexford from the opening minutes, Galway were four-points ahead within 90 seconds; it was a gap Davy Fitzgerald's team never looked like reigning in.
With astonishing regularity, Galway took their points and kept the Wexford team (and crowd) quiet throughout. As always, Galway's talisman, Joe Canning, had his say on affairs also. In either half, the Portumna man hit two superb sideline cuts to keep the pressure on Wexford.
Joe Canning 👏👏👏 #WEXvGAL #GAAClips #LSHC pic.twitter.com/HlymkFyNGb
— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 2, 2018
With the greatest of ease, Canning scarcely looked like missing either.
He's at it again!
Sensational from Joe Canning 👏👏👏#LSHC #WEXvGAL pic.twitter.com/NX9tPSrXlW— eir Sport (@eirSport) June 2, 2018
Although the threshold is rather high at this point, plenty were still suitably impressed with Canning's efforts.
In a second-half where he almost singlehandedly took over scoring duties for his side, some were so struck by his talents that the possibilities seemed endless.
With Galway cruising and Canning knocking points over at will, his 10th of the day was something special all of its own.
Joe Canning with this 10th point of the day pic.twitter.com/mcKRz1ZWo6
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 2, 2018
Accounting for over half of Galway's points on a comfortable evening on the south-east coast, there was no end to the love flowing in for Canning.
JoeCanning Has just scored his second line ball. Class. Galway look very strong here. They lead #Wexford by 1-14 to 0-9 in the opening minutes of the second half.. pic.twitter.com/Z9bg1Ol5A3
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) June 2, 2018
Joe Canning is, so far, having an exceptional championship (bar Offaly game). Didn't merit Hurler of the Year in 2017, but heading in that direction for 2018. Conor Cooney also in contention.
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) June 2, 2018
Joe Canning is the side line cut master!!! #skills#gaa #Hurling
— David Cunningham (@dave86cunnin) June 2, 2018
Those Side line cuts from Joe Canning are ridiculous 👏🏻
— Michael Maher (@Michael1Maher) June 2, 2018
Joe canning #GOAT @SkySportsGAA #WEXvGAL pic.twitter.com/ohodmpb7VI
— Vinny Cole 🇮🇪 (@vinnyc86) June 2, 2018
Joe Canning is still unquestionably the best hurler in the country, and has been since the day he wore the maroon and white for the first time.
— Oisin (@oisinmurphy96) June 2, 2018
Think Joe Canning having is best game for Galway in a number of years #GAA #HurlingToTheCore #Hurling
— Tadhg Rohan (@tadhgrohan) June 2, 2018
Unbelievable, really, but Joe Canning is getting even better. Getting that All-Ireland medal has taken an anvil off his shoulders.
— Peter McNamara (@PeterMcNamara_) June 2, 2018
How did it take Joe Canning 10 years to get an All Ireland medal? #WexvGal
— Gearóid Óg 🇪🇺🇺🇦 (@gearoid_og) June 2, 2018
Joe Canning is simply outrageous😍🙌🏻
— Yogi (@s_yore3) June 2, 2018
What a cut by Joe Canning there, made even better by the wahey from some poor soul in the Wexford crowd thinking he'd completely messed it up only for it to curl 20 yards and over the bar #wizard #gaa
— Michael Doran (@michaeldoran_) June 2, 2018
In the end, after an innocuous enough looking collision, Canning did find himself in some pain; subbed off for the final few minutes of Galway's victory.
Although he was able to walk off the pitch with a little assistance, there will be some concern that the injury isn't a serious one, and that Canning won't find himself hampered for long.
Also spoke to @SkySportsGAA Man of the Match Joe Canning and his knee was wrapped in ice but he thinks it was a knock and hopefully no damage done. Galwegians can exhale! @SkySportsGAA
— MáireT (@MaireTNC) June 2, 2018
