Hannon ‘must trust himself’ to be a Limerick leader

Limerick hurling coach Paul Beary believes Declan Hannon must learn to trust in his own capabilities, claiming the young forward exerts far too much pressure on himself.

Hannon was outstanding in the county’s quarter-final hammering of Wexford, a redemptive showing from the 21-year old following his disappointing Munster final performance. Cork’s Lorcán McLoughlin enjoyed the upper hand in their tussle at Páirc Uí Chaoimh last month, with Hannon called ashore on 56 minutes.

Hannon’s unstinting desire to prove himself in the green shirt stems largely from last year’s All-Ireland semi-final loss to Clare, where the Adare forward endured a tortuous afternoon from the placed ball, was relieved of free-taking duties at the change of ends and eventually substituted with 20 minutes remaining.

“From his perspective, he sets very high standards for himself. Probably disappointed with his performance against Cork. But Declan, the amount of practice time he puts in, we’ve fantastic faith in him,” said Beary.

“I wouldn’t say he needs to have more faith in himself. He’s got great belief and faith himself. He’s just got to trust himself, the nature and standards he sets.

“It’s hard [last year]. He is very young. It’s remarkable to think how young these guys are. Shane Dowling is still only 21. When I was involved in Na Piarsaigh in 2011, he was only 18 and had just done the Leaving Cert.

So it’s remarkable to think really how young they are at times. But that’s all part of a learning process I would think.”

Hannon is a central figure of a forward unit boasting the lowest scoring average of the four semi-finalists – 28 points per game – Beary, however, is confident the front six are coming to ripe just at the correct time.

“I think the forwards are starting to click that bit more. We’re focusing more in terms of the work-rate of the forwards. That’s not just as a forward unit in trying to get scores. That’s as a defensive unit as the first line of defence. We broke down the Wexford players so that was very satisfying.

“The interplay is getting better, the movement is getting better. There’s a fantastic blend of youth and experience in the forward division. David Breen has great interaction with Shane Dowling.

“It’s my first year exposed to an inter-county senior team. But they’ve made my life very easy. It’s a great time to be coaching teams. I can only vouch for the Limerick players but I’d say it’s the same in every other county. The players look after themselves so well now, they set the standard in terms of lifestyle management and they’re constantly seeking ways and methods by which they can improve individually as a player and as a team as well. It’s a fantastic time to be coaching.”

Defeated quarter-finalists in 2012, fallers at the semi-final hurdle last summer, Beary is in no doubt that this group are determined to pen a new chapter in Limerick hurling. Lessons have been learned from previous set-backs and now is their time to return to the showpiece event, he added.

“I think this team is trying to write a new narrative for Limerick hurling.

“Looking in at last year’s semi-final, you have to give credit to Clare for their performance that day. In fairness to them, I was there as a fan that day. First free Clare got, they tapped it short and put it over the bar. Clare went with great intent in that semi-final last year. But yeah I’d say the players if you were to talk to them, that has been a big motivating factor. But as a management team, all we’ve done is sought their feedback from that day and from that occasion, as to what we can do differently.”