His league and championship career at senior level with the Dublin county team spanned sixteen seasons from 1964 to 1979.
Hanahoe joined the St. Vincent's club and, after progressing through the juvenile and underage grades, was a regular member of the starting fifteen by 1964.
Hanahoe made his debut on the inter-county scene when he lined out for Dublin as a dual player in the respective minor grades.
He succeeded Kevin Heffernan as player-manager of Dublin in 1977 and guided the team to a second successive All-Ireland title.
There was no sporting tradition in Hanahoe's family, however, it was at these schools that his interest at Gaelic games was developed.
He subsequently secured a spot on Dublin's senior football team and made his debut in 1964.
Hanahoe was captain that day and it was feared at the time that all the players would be sacked along with the management team.
Hanahoe played no part in the 1973 championship but he returned in 1974 and Kevin Heffernan was appointed manager once again.
In 1975 Dublin retained their provincial title with Hanahoe playing a key role in the half-forward line.
Under his leadership Dublin captured another Leinster title before gaining revenge over Kerry for the previous year's defeat.
Dublin were the red hot favourites to complete the three-in-a-row, however, Kerry were back on form.
The game itself is remembered for Mikey Sheehy’s cheeky goal which he scored by lobbing the ball over the head of Paddy Cullen.