Declan Danaher at the LI Press Day

By Paddy69
August 25 2002

I think he already knew I wasn’t really from the Press, but obviously didn’t recognise me without my wig! Anyway, before he set off for home at the recent LI Press Day, I grabbed him for a few words.

That day (Thursday) had been his first full training session for the past week, due to a minor calf injury. No problems to report today though, a clean bill of health in spite of the heat.

Obviously, part of the training nowadays is the implantation of some common themes:

“We must not rest on our laurels from last season”. Well, I’m sure that Laurel is delighted that 35 big blokes aren’t coming to rest on him! This is recited right through the ranks, and was the first thing Declan said.

Reference to the heart monitors and the anaerobic training sessions. “They leave no room for slacking, and excuses will not be accepted. Performance is everything and Brendan will not be long in letting you know if you are not performing as he thinks you could or should be”. Obviously the money has been well spent on allowing an extremely professional training regime to emerge.

“All of the other teams in the Premiership will be training just as hard, standards are on the increase”.

Looking forward to the Leinster trip. “Although there is a fantastic team spirit here already, it will be a good team-bonding session”, says Declan, “I’m looking forward to playing in Ireland again”. Was there a hint of irony there?

I have to say that it didn’t look as if there was much more bonding needed to this reporter.

All that is left is to add my congratulations on being awarded the Man of the Match for the Leinster game.