Limerick councillors have approved plans to host a civic reception for Declan Hannon to commemorate his hurling career at both club and county levels.
Adare-Rathkeale Councillor Bridie Collins said the event is “hugely deserved”. This decision, confirmed at November’s full council meeting, follows the Adare native’s recent retirement from inter-county hurling.
They have not yet set a date for the reception. Cllr Bridie Collins told the Limerick Voice that the council will need to coordinate with Mayor of Limerick John Moran’s calendar, Príomh Comhairle, Cllr Catherine Slattery’s calendar and Declan Hannon’s calendar to choose a date for the event.
“It is the highest honour that we as the council can bestow upon any of our citizens in the county,” Cllr Collins explained. “Declan has given so much to County Limerick over the last number of decades through his dedication to the sport of hurling. He has brought great joy.”
Declan Hannon captained Limerick to the All-Ireland Senior Hurling title in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. In that time, he had seven Munster Senior Hurling titles under his belt.
He also has three All-Stars and two league wins, alongside his career as a recruitment consultant.
Limerick captain Declan Hannon with a rousing speech to thank all involved in bringing the All-Ireland back to the county #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/DtiSmio9LX
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 19, 2018
Cllr Collins said “It has just been a joy to watch [the team’s] journey, and their journey is not finished yet”. She described Declan Hannon as “a fantastic young fella”.
“He is an amazing athlete, he is so dedicated to the sport, and he is a great role model for the guys and girls coming up through the sport.”
“This is something that I felt was really important for us to do as a council,” she continued, adding that the council had hosted a reception for the senior football team who went to the Tailteann Cup Final last year.
She told the Limerick Voice that it was “a complete joy” for her to be able to bring this to the council and expressed her delight at the “huge support” it received by the Príomh Comhairle, the Mayor, the executive and the other councillors.
“This will be, I think, one of the most well-attended civic receptions and deservedly so. Declan is a wonderful young fella, he is a great Adare man, and he is such a steward for Limerick,” she continued.
“This is a joy for us to be able to do, and we’re just waiting for the date!”
Speaking on his retirement from inter-county hurling, Cllr Collins said: “his new life begins now, and we want to wish him and Louise the very best in whatever they decide to do going forward”.