“We’re running out of words” | Declan Hannon’s All-Ireland final speech in full

Hannon made history as the first man to lift the Liam MacCarthy title as captain four times.

It is something the people of Limerick are becoming accustomed to hearing but the words of Declan Hannon on Sunday will have been as pleasing yesterday as they were in 2018 when he first spoke them.

The Adare native, who has joined a club occupied only by himself as a four time All-Ireland winning captain, once more showed why he is the captain of the side with another eloquent speech.

Prior to that, he highlighted his class by inviting Cian Lynch up to lift the Liam MacCarthy.

Hannon began his speech by thanking the players, with the core group delivering four All-Ireland titles in five years after a 45-year wait to the previous championship triumph.

“We’re running out of words to describe the commitment and honesty they show.

“They leave everything on the pitch, I’m so proud and privileged to be apart of ye. You’re a credit to your family and clubs, keep it going for the next couple of years.”

Hannon thanked all involved in the Limerick set up and praised the effort of the Kilkenny team who more than played their part on a joyous date.

As always, his penultimate message was to the Limerick manager John Kiely, who became only the second ever manager to win four All-Ireland titles as he said,

“He [Kiely] drives our standards, night in, night out. He pushes us to the pillar of our limits every single night.”

“It’s a privilege to work under him. Our manager, our leader, John Kiely!”

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And to conclude, Hannon had a simple message to the hoards of Limerick fans in attendance and all those at home.

“Finally, the sea of green in Croke Park is something to see. Thank you all very much. We’ve two years of celebrating to catch up on. Luimneach abú!”