Pascal Canavan - Reflections on a great club and county career.

For over a decade, Pascal Canavan was a household name in club and county football with Errigal Ciaran and Tyrone.
In a fascinating conversation he recalls many great games and a few controversies!
These days, along other Gaels, he raises awareness and funds to get critical treatment for children suffering from the genocide of Gaza. He has also called for an end to the GAA sponsorship from Allianz, a company complicit in funding the Israeli war machine.
Pascal's early club days were not straightforward, as a local split saw him line out with the unaffiliated Glencull St Malachy’s while many of his mates played for Ballygawley St Ciaran's. A passionate GAA priest arrived and spun a few yarns to get the sides together. So began Errigal Ciaran.
A county championship victory soon followed, on an unforgettable day playing alongside his brothers, and then an Ulster title. He was captain when they won a second provincial title. Ronan Mac wonders why Errigal Ciaran is the only senior club in Tyrone to conquer Ulster!
A huge rivalry with Carrickmore is recalled, with players on both sides (including Pascal) winning a record six O'Neill Cup medals.
He remembers wearing the Tyrone jersey, an intense rivalry against Derry, a devastating controversial All Ireland defeat to Dublin and putting that into perspective with the passing years.
The year after he ended his county career, he watched his little brother Peter ('God' to Tyrone supporters) lift the Sam Maguire Cup, a day of much emotion just months after the passing of their beloved father Sean. He recalls Peter commentating as Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh when they played at home and the great support of his parents and all his family.
Pascal went on to manage college and club teams but nothing compares to playing.
A long-time religion teacher, he is aware of the many challenges facing our young people and suggests religion can still play a part.
He also points out the GAA club and community makes a huge contribution to the formation of our youth.
There are great memories in this podcast and a bizarre invitation to pick a Canavan AI 'battle of the clans' inter-generational team... it would take some beating!
* Thank you to Canavan's for hosting the TwoMacs Podcast.