Declan Hannon: 'We are lucky in Limerick that we have a great squad'

Limerick’s Declan Hannon admitted that it was tough to sit on the sidelines and watch his teammates in the Allianz Hurling League while he was injured.

Hannon missed all of six of Limerick's Allianz Hurling League games. The 2024 All-Ireland semi-final was the last time Hannon featured in a competitive game for Limerick.

"Obviosuly had a couple of niggles there throughout the league and missed out on all the games. It's coming along there now well, and looking forward to Semple Stadium," said Limerick senior hurler Declan Hannon.

The former captain was originally set to start in the Kilkenny game on February 23, but it was postponed due to an unplayable pitch. He then missed the rest of Limerick's league matches due to injury.

"It was a bit frustrating but these things happen it's kind part of sport. And I suppose if you're training at a high level or high intensity, you know you're going to pick up niggles at some stage. So please god now for the rest of the year, they'll stay away and we can just drive on as best we can."

The Adare native admitted it was mentally challenging to miss the league, but acknowledged that setbacks like this are simply part of sport.

"Everyone wants to be involved particularly in the match days. We are lucky in Limerick that we have a great squad, great group of lads that are fantastic ambassadors for the city and county. They're driving it on in training and in games. It is annoying but sure what can you do? It's just part and parcel of sport."

The Shannonsiders spent four nights in the Quinta do Lago sports complex in Portugal on a warming training camp ahead of the upcoming Munster Championship. 

"It's very beneficial. We've done one now for the last number of years, we've always came back from it after doing a lot of work that maybe you don't get to do at home. Lads are working and trying to rush from work to training, you just don't have time maybe to do some things that you get to do when you're on a camp," said Declan Hannon.

"It's important aswell that you have time to switch off and get to know newer lads that are on the panel and the newer faces that are in the backroom team. It was very enjoyable and definitely a beneficial week anyway."