Career
Born in Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, Hannon was also a dual international and played for both Ireland teams - the IFA XI and the FAI XI. He was the first player ever to do this. The bloodline of the great Dinny Hannon is being carried on by the progression of his Great Grand-nephew, Cathal "Bubbles" Hannon. Cathal has made steady progress through the ranks of Clann na nGael before opting away from life in the Gaelic Athletic Association and embark on a career in goals for Monksland United.
Bohemians
Hannon helped Bohemians reach three Irish Cup finals in 1908, 1909 and 1911.
Athlone Town
Together with Tommy Muldoon, Frank Ghent, Paddy Reilly and John Joe Dykes, Hannon was one of five Athlone Town players subsequently included in the Irish Free State squad for the 1924 Olympics Games. When Hannon began his international career in 1908, Ireland was represented by a single team, selected by the Belfast-based Irish Football Association.
However during the 1920s, Ireland was partitioned into Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State. Amid these political upheavals, a rival association, the Football Association of Ireland, emerged in Dublin and from 1924 organised their own national team
As a result several notable Irish players from this era, including Hannon played for both teams – the IFA XI and also the FAI XI. IFA XI
Between 1908 and 1913, while playing for Bohemians, Hannon then made 6 appearances and scored 1 goal for the IFA XI. He made his international debut on 15 February 1908 in a 3-1 defeat against England at the Solitude Ground.
Hannon soon scored on his debut, but this would prove to be his first and last goal at international level He made his second appearance against Scotland on 14 March 1908 in a 5-0 defeat at Dalymount Park. He went onto to make three appearances against England, two against Scotland and one against Wales.
This was the first time they ever had beat England.
While playing for the IFA XI, Hannon’s team mates included Billy Scott, Val Harris, Bill Lacey and Billy Gillespie
Irish Free State
In 1924 Hannon had made 2 appearances for the Irish Free State. Together with Paddy Duncan, Tommy Muldoon and Joe Kendrick he had competed in the Paris Olympics.
He made his debut for the Irish Free State against Bulgaria in their first ever senior international on 28 May 1924. As a result of winning this game they qualified for the quarter-finals of the competition.
Hannon also played in this game on 2 June, a 2-1 extra-time defeat against the Netherlands.
Hannon, aged 36, was a veteran during this era of his career and was one of the oldest players ever to play Olympic football. Hannon captained Ireland in both games and although amateur internationals, Olympic Games matches in Paris are recognised by Fédération internationale de football association as full internationals. Bohemians
Irish Cup
Winners 1908: 1
Runners Up 1909, 1911: 2
Athlone Town
FAI Cup
Winners 1924: 1.
