Declan Hannon of Limerick is calling on GAA clubs across the country to take part in the ‘eir for all’ Poc Tapa Challenge to be in with a chance to win up to €5,000 for their club and the chance to play on the hallowed turf of Croke Park on All Ireland Semi-Final Day. The Poc Tapa Challenge, designed to inspire GAA clubs across Ireland to demonstrate that the fastest wins in both hurling and the provision of superfast broadband, is open for entries until Tuesday, 2nd July at 11pm. eir has been a proud partner of the GAA since 2011 and is in the second of its five-year official sponsorship of the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
Remaining focused has been a key part in the Limerick success story since 2018.
Captain Declan Hannon continues to occupy a central role for John Kiely’s accomplished team.
On the eve of another intriguing Croke Park All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final against Cork, Hannon acknowledges that time and experience gleaned have helped Limerick move on from victories quickly to embrace new challenges. “Probably a mixture of both,” Hannon responds.
“We probably learned a lot from winning something maybe and looking back on the win instead of looking forward to the next game. If you keep winning something and looking back on what a great a day that was, you are just going to get caught the next day.
“The championship moves very quickly, you can't afford to be dilly dallying looking back on a good day when there is another one coming around the corner. You need to be ready to go for the next day too.”
That approach has served Limerick well. Resilience has needed to be demonstrated too because during recent campaigns they’ve had to overcome the loss of key personnel, including Hannon, who missed the latter stages of 2023. “Definitely in the last few years we've been hit with a lot of setbacks, even Cian Lynch missing the 2022 All-Ireland final, Peter Casey's injury this year, Seánie Finn, Richie English, and Jimmy Quilty last year,” Hannon says.
“Even in the round robin in Munster this year, every game we played somebody had to go off with an injury.
“That is unfortunate and frustrating for players, but it is what a panel of players are there for. You have somebody ready to come on to the field of play to do a job and to do it to a really high standard.”
During this glorious stint for Limerick bonds and friendships have been formed. Colleagues provide valuable assistance according to Hannon. “That is the beauty of team sport, having your team mates and friends around you,” the Adare clubman says.
“If you're going through a tough enough time or if you've picked up a niggle, that there is someone beside you, geeing you up, to get you going again, or just there to support you.
Limerick captain Declan Hannon in action during the Munster SHC Final against Clare at FBD Semple Stadium. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
“So, we have a really good, tight knit unit when it comes to things like that. We've had to deal with it in the last few years, so unfortunately we are well used to it at this stage.”
Undoubtedly, performing at senior inter-county level requires significant commitment, but there is joy in the journey for Hannon. “It is massive,” Hanon says about the effort put in. “Yeah, it takes up a lot of time, of course, and you've to sacrifice a load of different bits and pieces, but at the same time you don't have to go.
“It isn't a professional sport, there are no contracts involved. If you're not enjoying it, you don't have to be there, nobody is making you go. Ever since I started playing hurling, I've always loved it, I've enjoyed the competitive side of it.”
There is a willingness to improve. “You're trying to get better all of the time,” he adds. “In training with Limerick for the last number of years, the standard is really high. It brings you along too, there is an enjoyment element to that too.
“You can see yourself getting a bit better or fitter every time you go training, 100%. I think in any walk of life, if you're doing something you're not enjoying, what is the point?
“Even with work or college, if there is a change, do it, do something that makes you happy. To be honest being on the pitch makes us all happy and very content.”
What are some of the key ingredients in Limerick maintaining drive, desire, and high standards? “I think having a group of players who have a serious internal motivation to get better themselves, then they want the team to get better,” he replies.
“Every year we've had players come into the panel, who have pushed standards again. You look at the likes of Adam English this year, Conor Boylan when he has come on in games, Cathal O'Neill this year has been fantastic.
“You just have people and players, who drive the whole thing. Then, of course, we have a fantastic management set-up. There has been a couple of changes throughout the years, but they have pushed us really hard. They, aswell, see that you need to enjoy it.
“You can work hard, but have a lot of fun, too.”
