Peter Canavan has revealed that "under normal circumstances" he would not have played in yesterday's historic All-Ireland win over Armagh at Croke Park. Despite carrying an ankle injury, the inspirational captain scored five first half pointed frees to provide the platform for the Red Hand county's hard-fought win. By half-time, the legendary full forward's contribution had helped the Ulster champions into a four point (0-08 to 0-04) lead. He was replaced at the break but re-emerged six minutes from time to calm his side's nerves and guide them home to their first ever senior title, banishing the painful memories of the 1995 loss to Dublin.
And when asked by Des Cahill on RTÉ Radio One's 'Morning Ireland' show today if he would have played if it was any other match, Canavan replied: "Well, not a chance, to be honest." Indeed, the decision to start 'Peter the Great' was only made two days before yesterday's all-Ulster decider: "I spoke to Mickey Harte (Tyrone's manager) on Friday for about an hour or more. We weighed up the pros and the cons and we felt it was best that I started," Canavan said. "Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't have played," he added.
The ever-humble Canavan though was full of praise for the beaten defending champions, whom, he claimed, had inadvertently motivated Harte's charges when they defied the odds to beat Kerry 12 months ago: "Armagh were a great inspiration for Tyrone last year and it made us sit up and realise that this thing's there for the taking. They were very professional in everything they did last year, and if they hadn't have won it last year then maybe we wouldn't have won it this year."
As well as paying tribute to the Orchard County's players, Canavan was also eager to praise their defeated supporters: "A lot of people questioned would there be a lot of tension betweeen the fans and what not. We got a great reception from a lot of the Armagh fans shortly after the game and even last night. They deserve a lot of credit."
Tyrone fans, on the other hand, for once don't have to play the gracious All-Ireland losers and will be relishing their team's homecoming following last night's raucous celebrations in Dublin. The squad are due to bring the Sam Maguire Cup across the border into Aughnacloy at around 6pm today, before the entourage travels to Ballygawley village, home to Canavan's club Errigal Ciarán, and then onto the main reception in Omagh.
Filed by James Boylan
