On the day a teenage Joe Canning score 2-12 against Cork in an All-Ireland qualifier, and sent expectations for his career skyrocketing, there was at least one future All-Star in the crowd inspired.
"It's a strange one," says three-time PwC All-Star Jamie Barron.
"I've played against Joe a good few times since I came on the panel with Waterford. Before that, he was one fella I used to look up to."
Canning retired from inter-county hurling in late July after a 14-year senior career.
"I remember I was at the game between Cork and Galway the day he got 2-12, I think it was when he was [19]," Barron continues.
"I was in the stand watching it as a 14 or 15-year-old. You'd just be looking up to him and thinking, 'Could you ever play at that level?'
"Most of the fellas who played against him in the last few years were fellas who aspired to be him. It was strange in that way.
"Obviously, he was a phenomenal player. He was probably one of the greatest to ever play, in my opinion."
24 July 2021; Joe Canning takes a free for Galway against Waterford during his final game of inter-county hurling. All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship round two qualifier match at Semple Stadium. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile
2013 Hurler of the Year Tony Kelly believes Canning is "the best hurler to ever play."
"Just from a sheer hurling standpoint, he could do absolutely everything," says the Clare man.
"Great skill, great size, great athleticism. He had everything.
"From a young age even, when you were growing up at 12, 13, 14, you were even following him playing minor. I think he played in three All-Ireland minors in-a-row. A huge loss for even younger players growing up.
"I would have loved to see him play another two or three years. I know he probably hasn't as many All-Irelands won as some of the Kilkenny lads, or some of the Cork lads, but an absolute joy to watch, and in my opinion, the best hurler that I've ever seen play.
"I don't think there'll be another one as good as him for a long time, in terms of anything he could do: high ball, low ball, frees, line balls, from play - everything. A massive loss for hurling and an even bigger loss for Galway."
See Also: Jamie Barron Eyes Waterford All-Ireland If Liam Cahill Stays
