Season Five, Episode Eight of 'GAA Minor Moments' Podcast Featuring Declan Hannon

DECLAN HANNON ON LEADERSHIP, LEGACY, AND THE MAKING OF LIMERICK'S GOLDEN ERA

Electric Ireland, proud sponsor of the Electric Ireland GAA Minor and Camogie Minor Championships, has today released Season Five, Episode Eight of the ‘GAA Minor Moments’ podcast, featuring former Limerick captain Declan Hannon, one of the defining figures of the county's most successful era.

Host Fergal O’Keeffe delves into Hannon’s journey, from his formative Minor years to lifting multiple All-Ireland Senior Hurling titles with Limerick. Hannon reflects candidly on life after inter-county hurling, the bittersweet adjustments to retirement, and the enduring bonds with teammates. He shares unique perspectives on the relentless drive of elite athletes and the crucial balance between personal life and championship demands.

Hannon vividly recounts his own Minor years, across 2009 and 2010, detailing the excitement of making the inter-county panel and the pride of wearing the Limerick jersey for the first time. He speaks about the early influence of coaches like Patsy Hall, who instilled fundamental skills and a love for the game from primary school days in Adare. Hannon's time at Ardscoil Rís, highlighted by two Harty Cup triumphs, served as a crucial proving ground for high-stakes hurling. It was here he truly began to understand the intensity and relentless pressure of top-tier competition.

Hannon also offers a fascinating look at the inner workings of Limerick’s golden era. He highlights the unwavering honesty, trust, and respect that became the bedrock of the team’s culture. Hannon speaks particularly highly of Caroline Currid, one of Ireland’s leading performance psychologists, crediting her pivotal role in simplifying challenges and providing a confidential space for players. Her work, he explains, was vital in creating the strong trust within the team that is essential for its success. This alignment between management and support figures enabled the team to thrive under immense pressure and maintain an extraordinary hunger to win.

As a leader, Hannon reflects on his quiet yet effective captaincy, emphasising the importance of authenticity and support for teammates both on and off the pitch. This wealth of experience now guides his advice for the 2026 generation of Minor players, with a clear message; “sometimes less is more.” He stresses the importance of learning when to switch off so that you can switch back on, giving the mind time to rest and reset. He further highlights how Minor years, and Gaelic Games as a whole, build success and instil values that stretch far beyond the pitch, shaping the lives of young players both professionally and personally.

Electric Ireland’s ‘GAA Minor Moments’ Podcast will air on Tuesdays throughout the Electric Ireland Camogie & GAA Minor Championships as well-known Irish stars share memories from their early sporting careers, reflecting on the defining moments from playing Minor and how it shaped them, both on and off the pitch.

In previous episodes this season, Fergal has been joined by Clare's Christy O’Connor, Tipperary’s Michael Quinlivan, and others, as they reflect on their memories playing Minor and beyond.

For more information on the Electric Ireland Camogie Minor Championships go to https://www.electricireland.ie/camogie-minor-championships.   

For more information on the Electric Ireland GAA Minor Championships go to  https://www.electricireland.ie/gaa-minor-championships.

You can also follow the campaign on social media @ElectricIreland and via the hashtag #ThisIsMajor.