Limerick hurling legend Declan Hannon announces retirement following 15-year inter-county career

Limerick hurling legend Declan Hannon announces retirement from 15-year inter-county career. Photo: Kieran Ryan-Benson

Five-time All-Ireland-winning captain Declan Hannon has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling

Declan Hannon has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling following 15 years in the Limerick Senior Hurling team which saw the Adare man captain the county to five All-Ireland championships.

Hanon made the announcement through Limerick GAA, paying tribute to “one of the greatest honours” of his life in wearing the green jersey and all of those who supported him along the way.

The Adare GAA clubman said in the statement, “Following 15 years of representing Limerick, I have made the decision to retire from inter-county hurling.

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“It has been one of the greatest honours of my life to wear the Limerick jersey, to represent my county, and share the highest of highs with people I love. Hurling has been a major part of my life since I was a child. It tested me, it humbled me, and it gave me moments I will carry in my heart forever.”

Declan, who made more than 60 appearances as Limerick captain received three all-stars in his career, won two league titles, and seven Munster Championships, which included being the first Limerick captain to lift the Mick Mackey Cup.

Hannon famously lifted the Liam McCarthy Cup for Limerick in 2018, the first time in 45 years, which saw Limerick progress to being one of the best hurling teams in recent history, with dominant performances and league and championship campaigns.

The Limerick management team praised Hannon for serving Limerick with “great distinction for the last fifteen years” and his “unstinting service” to the county.

The management said, “Declan has worn the jersey with pride and excellence throughout his career. His leadership was quiet and understated but exemplified by his relentless drive to be the best he could be and to help those around him be the best that they could be. The team always came first with Declan. He always led by example, assured and at ease in the midst of the chaos of championship hurling.”

Before wishing Hannon and his wife, Louise Cantillon, the best in their future, the management thanked Hannon for his “unstinting service for his county”, saying, “He will be forever remembered for lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup for the first time in forty five years in 2018.”

Following the announcement, Limerick GAA paid tribute to the hurler on social media, saying, “Thank you Declan Hannon for your years of dedication, leadership and commitment to the County of Limerick. You gave us all so many years of joy, and the whole county will miss your presence on the Limerick Senior Hurling Team. We wish you all the best in your retirement. Go raibh mile maith agat Declan.”

In his statement, Declan thanked his family who were there in the “bright days and especially in the darker ones”, adding, “From the pitch in Adare to the steps of the Hogan Stand, you were always there and it meant everything to me.”

In his statement, he thanked his wife, saying, “Your love, care and huge sacrifice have been instrumental in allowing me to chase my dreams.”

He also paid tribute to Limerick County Board as well as Adare GAA and the local community, saying, “I will never forget returning home to the village in 2018. That feeling will live with me always.”

He finally thanked the McManus family for their support. He said, “To JP, Noreen and the entire McManus Family, thank you for your unwavering support to Limerick GAA, both locally and nationally. Your support has been extraordinary. I can’t thank you enough.”