Limerick's Declan Hannon says hurling has never been faster - and it’s only getting sharper
Michael Bolton
Former Limerick hurler Declan Hannon says the pace and skill levels of hurling have increased in recent years.
Responding to recent comments made by Cork manager Ben O'Connor, who criticised GAA officials for limiting the physicality of the game, Hannon said: "From what I have seen, the games are fairly physical.
"I think in this time of year there is probably more frees given in the league. I am sure when it comes to the championship, it will flow a bit more.
"In my opinion, lads are playing on the edge, and it is making a great spectacle.
"Players are now so fast and so strong. The pace and skill levels have gone up year on year.
"Teams are trying to retain the ball and work it to the best person. It has changed, but I am sure it will change again."
Hannon won five All-Irelands with Limerick as one of the most successful players the game has seen, and a crucial part of John Kiely's side, which won four All-Irelands in a row.
A side that will go down in history for their success, hurling has been a huge part of the Limerick man's life.
Now he is adjusting to life outside of hurling.
"I was busy outside of the GAA world and in Dublin a lot of the time. Commuting two or three times a week just isn't convenient for an inter-county player.
"You are either 100 per cent in it, or you are not. It is not fair to yourself or your teammates if you cannot commit fully. When I look at it that way, it was an easier decision."
In 2018, Limerick won their first All-Ireland title, their first title since 1973.
The dominance that followed was not something Hannon took for granted, as Limerick won four of the next five titles.
The former Limerick captain said the competitiveness of the Munster championship kept them in check.
"In 2018, we were all so young and having the time of our lives, we never could have dreamt of winning four of the next five All-Irelands.
"In the Munster championship at different times, we would have scraped by games. In 2023, we played Cork in the last group game, and we won by a point. If we drew or lost the game, we wouldn't have come out of Munster.
"You do know if you slip up, you can't lose another game. You see the crowds; there are full houses in most games. The Munster championship is fairly hot and heavy most of the time."
Hannon says coaching is not on his agenda.
"I have been asked to get involved in coaching, but I think I would be a terrible coach, so I will leave that for the time being. I think I have to go off and do a course or something.
"If you are coaching, you may as well be playing, it takes up the same time. It is not on the agenda at the moment.
