WATCH: Declan Hannon says Limerick have “a squad who are able to compete”

Limerick captain Declan Hannon talks Munster Championship preparation.

This summer will see the first taste of the revamped Munster Hurling championship structure. Limerick open their account against Tipperary on May 20 in the Gaelic Grounds. The following week Limerick are given a break before three consecutive weekends of Championship action. This new format will provide more games for counties and Limerick captain Declan Hannon is aware of the need of a strong squad to compete in the restructured championship.

“Its totally new top players and managements of all counties. Lots of games in a short space of time. We tried to develop our panel and get all the lads game time in the league to see who’s cut out for it.

You need to be able to call on lads at the drop of a hat to come in and to do a job. That was part of our preparation to build a panel and to build a squad who are able to compete.”

Limerick last reached a Munster final in 2014 and have failed to impress in the years since. However, a brilliant league campaign that secured passage to Division 1A for next spring has been secured. In addition to that, the introduction of a number of last years victorious All Ireland U21 panel have seen for greater optimism for the counties hurlers. Hannon is not getting carried away with the hype and details the importance of recovery ahead of the championship and during the busy spell.

“The real work was done early January and February. There was a real emphasis on recovery. Getting your body recovered as quick as you can and getting into the routine of going to the pool or getting your stretch in the day after League games.

When there’s only a four or five-day turnaround, you don’t have time to be stiff or sore for too long. A lot of the strength and conditioning advice we got was to recover as best you can.”

Catch the full interview on our YouTube channel.