Career
Born in Thurles, County, Callanan first excelled at hurling in his youth. He arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of twenty-four when he first linked up with the senior team The All-Ireland-winning captain in 1930, Callanan was an All-Ireland runner-up on one occasion.
At club level he was a one-time championship medallist with while he also played with Collegians.
Callanan retired from inter-county hurling following the conclusion of the 1930 championship. Club Callanan began his club hurling career with before later transferring to Collegians in.
He enjoyed little initial success, with his only major victory coming in the twilight of his career after moving back to In 1929 Sarsfields qualified for the championship decider.
A 4-3 to 1-3 defeat of Toomevara secured a first title in eighteen years and gave Callanan a coveted championship medal.
Inter-county Callanan joined the senior team during the 1918 championship. After two unsuccessful years he later transferred to The War of Independence hampered the organisation of the championship with the All-Ireland decider not being played until 14 May 1922.
The 4-9 to 4-3 victory gave Callanan a coveted All-Ireland medal.
Callanan added a second Leinster medal to his collection in 1921 as accounted for Kilkenny by 4-4 to 1-5. On 4 March 1923 faced Limerick in the All-Ireland final.
Four goals by Limerick captain Bob McConkey helped the Shannonsiders to an 8-5 to 3-2 victory as the Liam MacCarthy Cup was presented for the very first time. By 1926 Callanan had rejoined the senior team, however, Cork dominated the championship.
In 1930 he was captain of the team as Cork"s bid for a record-equaling fifth successive provincial title faltered. bested Clare in the decider by 6-4 to 2-8, giving Callanan a coveted medal.
On 7 September 1930 faced Callanan"s former side in the All-Ireland decider. Goals at the end of the first half from Martin Kennedy and Callanan gave the edge. An eventual 2-7 to 1-3 victory gave Callanan a second All-Ireland medal, while he also had the honour of lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup.
Inter-provincial Callanan was chosen for the inter-provincial team in 1928.