LIMERICK SKIPPER Declan Hannon admits he’s thought about what he’d say if he’s tasked with making an historic All-Ireland-winning speech tomorrow, but insists his mind is on the task at hand.
And the Treaty camp know they have a huge challenge in front of them in dethroning defending champions and much-fancied Galway.
Hannon is one of the more seasoned members of a panel that had little experience of Croke Park before the epic semi-final win over Cork.
They made light of that callowness at HQ and booked their spot in the championship finale with a hugely-impressive extra-time win at the Rebels’ expense.
“I’m 25 then you have a group who are around 22-years-of-age and there are a few 28 and one or two 30-year-olds,” says the Adare clubman.
“That is it and it is gas because you wouldn’t notice it in training or the dressing room. Everyone gets on so, so well. The age is just irrelevant. The young lads coming in have brought a new lease of life, a real confidence with them coming in from the underage ranks.”
Hannon will likely line out at centre back again, having earned his spurs with the county side in the forward line. Manager John Kiely switched him back to a position he was always familiar with thanks to successful Harty and Fitzgibbon Cup campaigns.
“Growing up I was always in the backs, in the half back line, most of the time centre back in schools or colleges growing up,” he says.
“Any inter-county team or player will tell you if you’re told to go here you go there because there is another three or four lads waiting to come in there if you don’t want to do it. Everybody this year has bought in, no matter where you’re put you are there to do a job. So far they have been doing it very, very well.”
And the role has changed he agrees: “I suppose teams are trying to find any bit of weakness at all in the opposition to try to get the better of them. Teams are trying to hold their shape as best they can. The opposition are trying to drag teams as best as they can so it is whoever sticks to the process the best is going to come out on the right side of the result.”
As Limerick will try to find that knockout blow against Galway this weekend, the Treaty will recall the bonding experience of a charity boxing night in the depths of winter, which brought this panel together and set them on the road to an All-Ireland final.
“I fought Tom Morrissey, a big strong man,” says Hannon of his defeat on the evening. “It probably was good to do it because it definitely bonded us. The training was tough for it, the night of it was very, very tough.
“It probably did gel us together. It was a new thing we had never done before, the freshness instead of just running around the field in November and December. We were going off doing something totally different going boxing training. The fitness levels from that are unreal, but once is enough.”
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I am a massive Leinster fan but have to admit i am seriously excited about what Pat Lam and Connacht have been doing since end last season- they could be serious contenders to compete for that last qualifying spot and this is only good for Irish Rugby. Wish them well.
They seem to have built up a nice squad for themselves. They got their business done nice and early too which is always a good sign. I’d love to see them come up to the same level of the other provinces, it can only mean good things for the national team!
Hopefully Connacht can push on next season and with the quality signings I think they will. They will Improve up the league and have a good crack at the challenge cup.
Is Eoghan Masterson going to be at Connacht next season? He was impressive this year. Also, U20s player Sean O’Brien could be involved for the senior team.
Hi Peter,
Masterson will still be at Connacht, yes. He’s moving into his second year in the academy, so hopefully he can get more game time next season. Agree on O’Brien, he looked excellent for Ireland U20s in the Six Nations.
The 2nd row and outhalf depth would be a worry. Clarke is a huge loss and Roux wouldnt be a lineout performer. Who will have that responsibility now, M Kearney?
Also hope Carty can step up and be reliable for place kicks. Good signings made but good players lost too.
Fair play Niyi! A Templeogue Synge Streer Gfc player of the past.. im sure he’ll do very well with connaught
Looks like a good squad. I have to wonder who their silent benefactor is as they don’t get great crowds (or didn’t at the games I’ve been to) and their central funding is well below Leinster/Munster.
Although they don’t get the crowds of others. They have went from 1,200 – 1,500 average from 2006 – 2011 . . . up to 3,800 – 4,600 average over the past year or two. With big names that rises to 6,000 – 7,000 and on occasion 9,000 with big BIG ones.
If success comes, I imagine It will go like Leinster and Ulster did in their transformation ten years ago of similar numbers.
Ok excuse the horrific spelling but why is mils muliaina not on the list?
Hi Kieran, your spelling is spot on! Muliaina is on the list under ‘Fullbacks’.
Thanks bud sorry I didn’t see him there
Dan Parks was well past his best but without him they are looking underpowered at 10. Jack Carty has made a promising start but that is a lot of pressure to lump on a kid. With the calibre of what they have put together behind the scrum it would be a pity if the lack of a decent 10 meant it didn’t fire…. Did Shane O’Leary play outhalf also, he may have better chance of getting a game there….?
To me Connacht don’t look good. Too many names that are hard to pronounce!
Is Jack Dineen not part of the hookers? Or is he still in the academy?
Should Jack Dineen not be part of the hookers? Or is he still in the academy?