“He’s got every chance” | Kiely provides positive update on Hannon’s final availability

For the first time in four years, and for only the second time since his debut twelve years ago, Limerick were without their talismanic captain

With Limerick back in the All-Ireland final for the fourth year, boss John Kiely says that captain Declan Hannon has a chance at featuring in the showpiece game of the year.

For the first time in four years, and for only the second time since his debut twelve years ago, Limerick were without their talismanic captain against Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.

However, after a slow start where Galway led by as many as six, Limerick thundered back into the contest to reduce the margin to a point at the interval.

After the break, Limerick overwhelmed their opponents as they recorded a nine point win to return to the final.

When asked about Hannon’s chances for the final, Kiely remained upbeat.

“He’s got every chance. We just have to see how he will cope with the bit of work over the next week to ten days. We’ll give him every opportunity to stake his claim. We just have to wait and see.”

In Hannon’s place, Kyle Hayes was named at centre back but it wasn’t the Kildimo Pallaskenry man that fulfilled the role, instead William O’Donoghue slotted in with a host of positional switches prior to throw in.

With O’Donoghue moving back, Hayes went to #7, Cian Lynch was at midfield with David Reidy moving infield to allow Gearoid Hegarty on the wing.

Like his teammates, O’Donoghue grew into the contest as Kiely explained the process in selecting the Na Piarsaigh man to play the role.

“William has played six for his club for numerous occasions and we have seen him play at #6 for his club. You just have to put fate in your gut and your instinct and go with it.

“To be fair, the group went with it.”

When asked about the potential for playing Gearoid Hegarty at centre-back, Kiely was clear in his answer with the St Patricks man more suited to the forwards.

“Gearoid doesn’t play six well!”

Limerick now have two weeks until the All-Ireland final where Hannon could become the first man to life four All-Ireland’s on the trot.

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