Limerick’s Declan Hannon, the most decorated hurling captain of all time, has announced his intercounty retirement.
The five-time All-Ireland winner made history in 2022 when he became the first captain to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup four times.
The three-time All Star was also captain in 2023 but a knee injury sidelined him for that season’s final, with Cian Lynch and Hannon jointly raising the Liam MacCarthy.
The 32-year-old Adare man also won seven Munster titles and two National League crowns during his 15-year career.
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He made his senior bow for Limerick in 2010 and his last involvement was as a sub in the Treaty County’s championship defeat to Dublin this season.
“Following 15 years of representing Limerick, I have made the decision to retire from inter-county hurling,” stated Hannon.
“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.
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“To my family, thank you for your relentless love, loyalty, and belief, in the bright days and especially in the darker ones. My Dad Joe, Mam, Bridget, my brothers Jody and Killian, from the pitch in Adare to the steps of the Hogan Stand, you were always there and it meant everything to me.
“A special thank you to my wife Louise, to have had you by my side for this chapter of our life has been such a joy. Your love, care and huge sacrifice has been instrumental in allowing me to chase my dreams. To my in-laws, wider family and friends, thank you all for being part of this story and being a constant presence. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
“I want to thank my club Adare GAA and the Adare community, all the coaches and teammates from underage up to senior level, your guidance and encouragement shaped the path ahead. I will never forget returning home to the village in 2018. That feeling will live with me always.
“To the Limerick County Board, those in the various positions along the way, thank you for contributing so much to the success over the years. I also want to acknowledge all those who have played such a huge part in the fundraising side of the GAA for Limerick, both here at home and overseas, your generosity is so hugely appreciated.
“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.
“To all Limerick management teams and teammates, past and present. What a rollercoaster it has been. To have shared the past 15 years with you has been the pleasure of my life. Playing is great, but the friendships created are what I will truly cherish. Thank you for being the people you all are and letting me be a part of the journey with you.
“I want to thank John Kiely in particular. You instilled a belief and confidence in our group as both people and players that empowered us to achieve what we did. I will be forever grateful to you. I will miss you all, you will always be in my heart. I wish you every success for 2026 and beyond.
“Finally, to the wonderful Limerick supporters. An extension of our family. The colour, noise and passion you brought to games was incredible to feel and to see. I will never forget the homecoming in 2018 and to see the joy and happiness it brought both young and old. A bond was built that will never be broken.”
Limerick’s senior hurling management team and county board paid tribute to Hannon’s contribution to the county.
“Declan has served his county with great distinction for the last fifteen years, making history in captaining the team for a record number of All-Irelands and Munster Championships and becoming the first Limerick man to lift the Mick Mackey Cup.
“Declan has worn the jersey with pride and excellence throughout his career. His leadership was quiet and understated, 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. We want to thank Declan for his unstinting service for his county.
“He will be forever remembered for lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup for the first time in forty five years in 2018. We wish Declan and Louise the very best as they enter the next chapter of their lives.”
