Coming off the back of a relatively topsy-turvy Championship season by his own standards, Galway full-forward Joe Canning nearly took on Tipperary on his own today.
The Portumna man notched a goal and 11 points, including one particularly masterful sideline cut from fully 60 yards which left both hurling traditionalists and casuals purring. That score had given Galway a one-point lead with just seconds to play, but Tipp responded with a superb Bubbles O'Dwyer point from the right-hand side as stoppage time elapsed.
After a rip-roaring finish, the full-time score at Pearse Stadium was Galway 2-19, Tipperary 1-22. As a result, either Tipperary or Galway will take the last quarter-final spot on offer in Division 1A next Sunday, while the other will face a relegation playoff with Cork, who were edged by old rivals Kilkenny in Páirc Uí Rinn last night.
But when the dust settled, there was only one name on everybody's lips and, over on Twitter, fingertips.
Joe Canning scores 1-11 but Bubbles rescues draw as Tipperary and Galway still in relegation battle https://t.co/m1Q7tFce1r
— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) March 13, 2016
Joe Canning on song is a different class... What a goal today!! https://t.co/bWOadUkc78
— Rory's Stories (@RorysStories) March 13, 2016
At least 3 jaw dropping moments from Joe Canning vs Tipp today.
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) March 13, 2016
My god. Did anyone see that sideline cut from Joe Canning? Crazy.
— Conor Delaney (@Del_Conor) March 13, 2016
Joe Canning oh my
— Emma Cleary (@emmacleary2507) March 13, 2016
After all irelands i hear lads in pubs giving out about Joe Canning.Todays an example why they shud be hit in the face at every opportunity
— Paddy Aherne (@Paddyaherne) March 13, 2016
Jesus that Joe Canning sideline was one of the greatest scores seen in #GAA for few seasons. Defying all logic from that spot @Galway_GAA
— Peter McNamara (@PeterMcNamara_) March 13, 2016
Joe Canning is a fucking beast. A beautiful, beautiful beast #gaa #leaguesunday
— Barry Lunn (@nouvation) March 13, 2016
Joe canning's sideline cut was freakishly similar to my own attempts back in the day .
— JM (@JonnyMolony) March 13, 2016
Jesus Joe Canning is unreal! The Messi of hurling!! What a match Galway v tipp.#AllianzLeagues #gaa
— carnage31 (@carnage31) March 13, 2016
Lionel Messi. The Joe Canning of Football. #Gaillimh
— Tony McCabe (@mc_tone) March 13, 2016
Seriously though Joe Canning cannot be human #genie
— Sinead Kehoe (@neaders_kehoe) March 13, 2016
Canning's performance was all too much for these two lads:
