GAA Moments of the Year | Declan Hannon’s winning All-Ireland final speech

As 2021 draws to a close, Jack Neville looks back on some of the most memorable GAA moments of the year.

While the year proved largely forgettable for most as the pandemic continued to grip the world, for the fans of Limerick GAA, there was a number of incredible moments throughout 2021 that will live long in the memory

And ahead of the new year, look back at some of the most memorable.

Limerick GAA’s Moments of the Year.

Today, Declan Hannon’s All-Ireland final speech is looked at.

Ask yourself this question. What is the higher number, Limerick’s wins in Croke Park in the twenty years from 1997-2017 or the amount of All-Ireland final acceptance speeches Declan Hannon has made in the last four years.

Incredibly, the latter is the higher number with Hannon making his third All-Ireland acceptance speech in four years earlier this August as Limerick eased to the title.

Prior to John Kiely’s appointment, Limerick had one just twice in Croke Park from ’97 to ’17, both coming  during the run to the All-Ireland final in 2007.

As demonstrated in 2018 and 2020, Hannon’s speech highlighted why he is the on field leader of this exceptional side, speaking so eloquently on behalf of his teammates.

Previous to this, Hannon was removed from the field with five minutes go as Kiely allowed Hannon to bask in the praise of the Limerick faithful.

But not only does Hannon’s speech solidify his position as captain of the best ship in Ireland but is a further reminder of Limerick’s dominance with only one man from the best team in the land able to do so on any given year.

Check out the speech in full below.

Hannon’s speech in full.

“Just to clarify, I’m from Adare.

“I’ve a list of thank yous here, and I think you know, everybody knows the amount of people involved in the background at Limerick and without every single one of them we would not be here today.

“To the 36 players, I think everybody looking in can see you’re just an absolute credit every time you put on the jersey, on the field and off the field.

“To our hurling coach Paul Kinnerk, strength and conditioning (coach) Mikey Kiely, other coaches and selectors ‘Dodge’, Aonghus O’Brien, Alan Cunningham. Fantastic all year through tough circumstances – you’re just on a different level.

“To our medical staff, Dr James Ryan, physios Mark and Seanie to Adrian Kearns. There’s one man who’s been part of the Limerick medical team for many many years who’s not with us today. He looked after us for the last decade plus, and that’s Mark Van Drumpt.

“Conor McCarthy, Ger O’Connor – these guys are at training an hour or two before all of us and they’re there an hour or two after so lads, thank you very very much for everything you do.

“To one lady amongst all men – Caroline Curran – what she has done for us the last five years is absolutely indescribable. Thank you Caroline.

“Our stats team – Seanie O’Donnell, Ruairi, Ciaran Hickey, goalkeeping coach Timmy Houhihan, Alan Feely, Eoin Murray our nutritionist. Again, the hours they put in is second to none so thank you very much.

“And then there’s one man who has to try and put everything together, try and keep us all calm, try and keep himself calm sometimes as well. It’s our manager John Kiely.

“To the county board, John Cregan, Michael O’Riordan, Liam Burke, thanks for everything guys.

“Our sponsors, JP McManus, Noreen McManus, and all the McManus family.

“To all our players’ families, partners, wives, girlfriends, the sacrifices you make for us is second to none. We’re delighted you’re her today, so enjoy it all.

“I want to pay a special mention to our charity partner Milford Hospice, who continue to do such fantastic work, so well done to everybody.

“I want to also mention the Fitzgerald family from the Woodlands (Hotel). What they’ve done for us over the past number of years is unbelievable. So Conor, Mary and all the gang – thanks a million.

“Today’s match officials, thanks a million as well. A tough game to ref, but fantastic job.

“To Cork and Cork’s management team. A serious bunch of guys, a serious battle today, a nice upcoming team and no doubt there’ll be serious battles in the coming years.

“We look forward to welcoming them again, it wasn’t their day today but keep going, you will be back and thanks for a very sporting game.

“And last but not least, all the Limerick supporters here today. You don’t know how much it means for us to have you back. It’s fantastic, keep smiling, keep enjoying it all. We’re loving these days.

“Luimneach Abu!”.