eir ambassador and hurler Declan Hannon of Limerick pictured at the launch of the third annual ‘eir for all’ Poc Tapa Challenge, which invites GAA clubs across Ireland to compete for €5,000 and the opportunity to play at Croke Park during All-Ireland Semi-Final Day. eir has been a proud partner of the GAA since 2011, with eir Wide-Fi powered by WiFi 7 giving fans lightning-fast streaming on GAA+, ultra-low latency for live matches, and reliable connectivity throughout their home. For further information on how to enter follow @eir.ireland or visit eir.ie.
By Cian O’Connell
Despite all the medals, Declan Hannon has never forgotten the memories. The spins with family and friends to Thurles for Munster SHC games remain etched in his mind.
That was when Hannon simply sensed the possibilities that sport can bring to a person, team or county. “I remember as a young fella going to Thurles to watch Munster Championship matches, you were kind of in awe of the whole thing,” Hannon reflects. “So, to be there now, involved, it is amazing. It is great and it doesn't get old.”
Having that same desire a few decades later matters to Hannon. “I think so, and I often look back to when I was a young fella going to these games,” he says.
“You'd only be dreaming about being able to run out, to hit a ball around the field, something like that. I think that is a nice grounding to have, it makes you appreciate the whole thing a bit more. I'm very much looking forward to kicking off in the Munster Championship.”
For 2025 Cian Lynch will captain Limerick. Hannon didn’t approach the current campaign any differently. “It is kinda the same as every year, to be honest,” Hannon says.
“You go back in January, get flogged running around the field, that hasn't changed anyway. No better man than Ciano to take on the captaincy, he has been in a leadership role for the last number of years, regardless.
“As have many of the lads. There isn't much of a difference. You still want to contribute as much as you can, on the field and off the field.
“It was probably just the right time for the group for there to be a fresh person in that role, I'll put it that way, and no better man than Cian to drive it on.”
Declan Hannon in action for Limerick against Cork in the 2024 All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final at Croke Park. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
The impending Tipperary tussle will be revealing. “At this time of the year, it is about getting to the first round with a full bill of health, try to train hard, to get yourself in the best possible position as you can,” Hannon says.
“Take it from there, see what happens, try to get a performance on the day. Once you've the first game done, you'll know a lot about where you're at. For us, it is about focusing on ourselves, get ready for April 20, and see what happens.”
Back in 2018, Limerick ended a 45 year spell without an All-Ireland title. Hannon was the inspirational captain when Liam MacCarthy was hoisted, but in the successful spell that has followed Limerick have continued to integrate accomplished young hurlers into the team. “I think it is brilliant,” Hannon says.
“For the group it is what you need. In Limerick, we've been lucky in that we've constantly had lads coming through, putting their hand up for different positions, contributing really well on the field. I think it is fantastic. It keeps absolutely everybody on their toes.
“You've people constantly looking over their shoulders about their position. You need to fight really, really hard for everything. That is at training and games. We're lucky, we've lads, who've contributed massively. You see it with the likes of UL, Mary I, the Fitzgibbon Cup teams, the mainstays on those teams that have been successful, for them to come into our group, a number of lads after winning a Fitzgibbon Cup.
“It drives things on again, so it does. We're in a privileged position, but they've put a lot of work in. It doesn't just happen. They're really professional in what they do, these new lads that come in. We can learn a lot from them.”
How relevant is the fact that Limerick schools at Post Primary level and Colleges in the third sector have been so competitive? “I think it is important, it gives them opportunities to play at a very high standard,” Hannon replies.
“If you look at schools even the Rice Cup, the Dean Ryan, the Wyatt Cup, and Harty Cup, then up to Fitzgibbon Cup level. You're getting exposed to a higher level than other lads who mightn't be involved in these types of games.
Declan Hannon is looking forward to another Munster SHC campaign with Limerick. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
“It definitely stands to them coming into a senior panel. Then, of course, the Academy gives them a great base in terms of strength and conditioning. I didn't have that when I was growing up. It puts them in good fettle coming into the senior set-up.
“It isn't as daunting; they aren't as far behind as years ago when people might have been moving from minor level up to the senior ranks.”
That is where Hannon has hurled for Limerick since 2010. Five All-Irelands and seven Munster titles have been gleaned. So, how difficult is it following a semi-final loss such as the 2024 thriller against Cork? “It'd be rough enough for a while, to be honest with you,” Hannon replies instantly.
“It is like anybody that is involved in competitive sport or anything competitive, they want to win. If you're getting to the latter stages and you bow out, it probably makes it a bit harder. At the same time, we went back to our clubs two weeks after we lost the All-Ireland semi-final.
“We were back into club championship. What can you do? You get back on the horse, you try to drive on again, to see what happens? Definitely, it isn't easy. It is a rough couple of weeks after losing an All-Ireland semi-final.”
Hannon doesn’t necessarily subscribe to the view that such a defeat brings a renewed vigour for the following year. “I don't know, just looking from the Limerick set-up, everyone has come back every year fully motivated to go at it again,” Hannon says.
“That is regardless of if you won the year before or lost. So, I haven't seen a huge difference. It has been quite similar; lads are just working hard to try to get to the highest level they can possibly get to in order to contribute to the group. We will see how we get on then from the first round onwards.”
That approach has served Hannon and Limerick well.
