Cannings exchange puck for pop

They’re known for slaughtering the opposition on the pitch but the Portumna hurlers will be turning their attention to ‘murdering’ rock and roll classics and boy band chart hits on the stage this weekend.  

Modelled on popular reality TV series ‘Pop Idol’, seven players from Portumna’s 2009 and 2008 All-Ireland Club Championship winning panel will be belting out their unique take on Westlife and Guns and Roses songs at the ‘Puck Idol’ contest this Friday.

Joe Canning and Eoin Lynch will be ditching the hurls for guitars at the Shannon Oaks Hotel, while Shane O’Rourke is on vocals as they attempt to recreate the 1980s American hard rock band.

Rumour has it Joe Canning is lead guitarist, Slash, and will be decked out in a top hat, long and thick black curly hair and of course his trademark cigarette.

Team captain Andy Smith is the ‘Westlife’ front man and will be joined by Ollie Canning, Eugene McEntee and Kevin ‘Chunky’ Hayes to complete the boy band quartet of Mark, Shane, Nicky and Kian.

“I doubt Louis Walsh will be phoning us to be honest,” laughs Ollie Canning.

See full story in this week's Connacht Tribune.