Civic reception celebrates Declan Hannon’s legendary hurling career and service to Limerick

LIMERICK City and County Council hosted a civic reception in honour of Declan Hannon, one of the most decorated and respected figures in modern hurling.

The event, in the Council Chamber in Dooradoyle on Wednesday recognised Declan’s unparalleled contribution to Limerick sport, community and culture, and the lasting legacy he has built both on and off the pitch.

Declan was joined at the reception by family members, including parents Bridget and Joe and brother Jody; the Limerick Senior Hurling Team were represented by Manager, John Kiely, and William O’Donoghue; Freeman of Limerick, JP McManus; other friends and supporters. The event reflected on a remarkable sporting journey and celebrated the enduring impact of a true Limerick legend, who announced his retirement from inter-county hurling in October last year.

In a message read out at the reception, Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly described Declan Hannon as ‘a pivotal figure in a golden era for Limerick hurling’, adding:

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“Tonight you celebrate well deserved recognition of a remarkable sportsman who has given outstanding service to Limerick and Irish hurling. I have no doubt that Declan’s legacy will continue to inspire young players and supporters for generations to come.”

Addressing the civic reception, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said:

“On behalf of the people of Limerick, I want to thank Declan for the moments of joy, pride and unity that he has overseen as captain during our most successful era on the hurling field. Celebrating his legacy with a civic reception like this is not only a fitting way to mark the medals he has won and the many trophies he has lifted, but it honours the values he has lived and breathed throughout his hurling career. His qualities represent the very best of Limerick, both on and off the field: commitment, dedication, pride in community and all carried out with a touch of class. Declan reminds us if we think big and work hard for our goals, we can achieve them. We look forward to celebrating his legacy for many years to come.” 

Declan Hannon described the civic reception as a ‘massive honour’ and feels he is in good company:

“I was looking up the previous recipients and there is a lovely group of people there so, it’s a massive honour for myself and my family. I feel like I’m representing the Limerick Senior Hurling Panel really here, so it’s a huge honour and I am absolutely over the moon.”

Declan also paid tribute to all his former teammates and managers, saying:

“The whole lot of them have played such a crucial part in my life, not just on the field but off it as well. They are some of my best buddies, I miss them hugely, we have such an amazing bond.”

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery paid tribute at the ceremony, saying:

“Declan is the embodiment of what can be achieved when someone works hard and is relentless in pursuit of their goals. His successes, which we have all shared in, are built upon years of commitment and support. Every time he pulled on the green jersey, he represented Limerick with pride, inspiring those around him to do the same. I wish to extend heartfelt congratulations to him on an incredible sporting career, and I thank him for the unparalleled success that he and the team have brought to Limerick.”

Director General, Limerick Council, Dr Pat Daly said Declan Hannon is at the centre of many great memories for the people of Limerick:

“Declan’s contribution to Limerick hurling and to our county as a whole has been truly extraordinary. It has been a great joy as a Council to help organise and be part of the homecoming celebrations each time Declan and the team, under John Kiely’s stewardship, brought Liam McCarthy back to Shannon side. From inspiring play on the pitch to inspiring speeches on the steps of Croke Park, he has been central to memories that will last a lifetime.”

A civic reception is one of the highest acknowledgements Limerick Council can bestow. It is an official honour recognising an individual, group, team, organisation, or occasion that has brought distinction, achieved exceptional success, or made a significant contribution to the community or the local area.

Born in Adare, Declan Hannon enjoyed a glittering 15‑year career with the Limerick senior hurling team, winning five All‑Ireland Senior Hurling Championship titles and seven Munster Championships. In 2018, he famously captained Limerick to their first All‑Ireland triumph since 1973, a watershed moment that ignited celebrations across the county.

Declan’s foundations were laid early: he won back‑to‑back Harty Cups with Ardscoil Rís in 2010 and 2011, helped Mary Immaculate College secure their first Fitzgibbon Cup in 2016, claimed a Limerick Senior Hurling Championship with his club Adare in 2009, and secured a Munster Under‑21 medal with Limerick in 2011.

These early successes - across school, college, club and county - set the stage for his rise as one of the most influential figures in modern hurling.