It is the end of an era as Limerick captain Declan Hannon has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
The Limerick man led the team to All-Ireland victory in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, making him the most successful hurling captain in history.
Declan has played for Limerick for 15 years and announced that he will be hanging up his caman.
In a statement shared by Limerick Hurling, he thanked his wife, Louise Cantillon, for her support and “huge sacrifice”.
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He wrote: “Following 15 years of representing Limerick, I have made the decision to retire from inter-county hurling.
“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.
“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.”
He went on to thank Adare GAA as well as the Adare community and the Limerick County Board.
He concluded by writing: “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. Looking forward to meeting you in the stands and terraces supporting our county over the years ahead.”
Truly the end of an era.
