ONE of Limerick’s most celebrated sporting icons, five-time All-Ireland winning senior hurling captain Declan Hannon of Adare, has announced his retirement.
Hannon’s debut came through a spring 2010 National League appearance at the edge of the Glens of Antrim in lovely Loughguille.
He is the holder of five All-Ireland, seven Munster, and two National League medals.
His greatest personal moment was leading us to the national breakthrough win of 2018 (ending a heartbreak that had stretched back to 1973) over Galway at Croke Park.
“He will be forever remembered for lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup for the first time in forty-five years in 2018,” stated Limerick manager John Kiely, on behalf of his fellow mentors and County GAA Board.
“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. ”
Said three-time All-Star 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.”
“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.
“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.
”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.”
The 32-year-old added that “a bond was built that will never be broken. Looking forward to meeting you in the stands and terraces supporting our county over the years ahead.”
Son of Joe and Brigid, and brother to Jody and Killian, he married his long-term partner, award-winning Today FM broadcaster/TG4 presenter Louise Cantillon of Kilcornan, two years ago.
Hannon was recently announced as Operations Director at Adare Global Personnel Solutions.