Limerick’s young guns leading the charge – Hannon

Back in February Limerick got their Allianz League campaign off to a great start with a huge win over Antrim.

What was notable was that their rookie full-forward line of Shane O’Brien, Adam English and Donnacha Ó Dálaigh contributed 1-22 of their scoreline in a 27-point victory.

That youthful production channel has been tapped into in each game since, with the young guns really coming up trumps in the Munster championship.

In the recent provincial final, O’Brien managed 0-02 with Cathal O’Neill, and Adam English scoring a point each.

In the earlier group game against Clare, O’Neill hit 0-02, Ó Dálaigh came off the bench to shoot 1-01, Conor Boylan came on for Tom Morrissey, Adam English was introduced for Will O’Donoghue and Aidan O’Connor came in for Aaron Gillane.

Against Tipp, O’Neill was again on fire with three points while Ó Dálaigh came in and scored another point, Adam English came in for Cian Lynch and hit four points. That day also saw Colin Coughlan and Conor Boylan introduced as subs.

Against Waterford, O’Neill hit a brace of points once more. Shane O’Brien was introduced and managed three, English came on and scored one, as did Boylan, whilst Fergal O’Connor and Ó Dálaigh got more championship game time.

It was no different when they played Cork with O’Neill, English and Aidan O’Connor all on the scoresheet whilst Fergal O’Connor, Boylan and Ó Dálaigh again all saw action.

When the Dublin footballers were on their relentless march under Jim Gavin, their bench had a huge impact and presence.

It has been the same for Limerick this year, only many of their players coming in are much younger and less experienced than the some of the stars Dublin had on hand.

“The panel of players for every game, especially this year with four of five lads coming on, has made a massive difference,” Limerick captain Declan Hannon told RTÉ Sport.

“Against Clare in Ennis we were maybe seven points down at one stage [actually nine] but they had a huge impact when they came in. That’s what we expect – that they come on and make an impact.

“Me, in particular, I get a great boost when they come on. It fills you with confidence.”

Hannon knows what it is like to burst onto the inter-county stage at a young age with a lot expected of you.

His career developed into a hugely successful one, with him assuming an iconic leadership role within the squad, but the Adare man feels the impact that youngsters like O’Brien and company have made is special.

“It’s more impressive than what I faced,” the 31-year-old says.

“They are coming into a panel that was successful and they have had to work hard to be involved in the matchday squad.

“But they have been hugely impressive, so mature and a real standout has been their attitude. There are a few older fellas there and we learn as much from them as they learn from us.

“I think going back to 2018, the youth came in and brought in a confidence that had been missing in Limerick for a few years and they have driven standards every single night.

“They keep us young, and they’re gas young men as well. We have to keep up with them.

Ahead of the upcoming All-Ireland semi-final with Cork, Hannon also says that players on the panel are dealing well with injury setbacks.

“We had a decent Munster campaign and a few weeks to recover, which was beneficial as well. Lads who were or are injured have stayed positive and they look forward to training, the gym, and matches too.

“Throughout the Munster championship nearly every game someone had to come off with injury. But people are in good form.

“It’s frustrating for players to get injured but that is part and parcel of sport and that’s where the panel comes in.”

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