Hannon: Hard work is the winning formula

Limerick star Declan Hannon was not surprised by his side’s 25-point annihilation of Laois on Saturday night.

The Adare forward produced an eye-catching display when introduced after 45 minutes but insisted anything Limerick have done this year has been a product of their own hard work.

“I wouldn’t say I was surprised because we worked hard over the last two weeks in particular,” he said.

“Everyone saw how good we actually are against Tipp for the 50 or 55 minutes. We were fully confident that we’d get over Laois as long as we were mentally strong and concentrating on the job in hand.

“We showed tonight that we were fully focused. As long as we keep the mentality right for next week I’m sure we’ll will get over Antrim and drive on again after it.”

Having not started due to a recurrence of a groin complaint, Hannon now believes that is behind him and all he’s concerned about now is Antrim.

“It came at me for the first league game against Clare. I went in to a specialist in Cork and he said it would be eight to ten weeks.

“It is tough sitting down watching the boys training and they are flying it. And you are mad to get back to full fitness. It was very frustrating watch it, but we are in the middle of the championship now and hopefully we can build on that and get a few more games under our belt.”

That injury he said, also made him realise how important it is to take your chances while you’re fit.

“Last year I was doing the Leaving Cert and I missed the Munster semi-final against Waterford and I missed the Munster quarter-final again this year. I thought I’d be playing every year but it doesn’t come like that.

“You see Conor Allis now, he is unfortunate as he has done his AC joint and he is going to be out for a few weeks. If he and Kevin Downes were playing there would be great competition for places.

“There is great competition and I’ll have to work to get my spot back now. I’ll be under pressure now to get my spot back and hopefully we can build on that.”