History for Declan Hannon who becomes first ever four-time All-Ireland Hurling winning captain

The Adare native made history on Sunday with an incredible record setting himself from the rest.

In his first year in charge, John Kiely laid down a statement as he moved one of Limerick’s scoring forwards to centre-back as Declan Hannon reverted to a role he had starred in for his school.

Following his explosion onto the scene after helping Ardscoil Rís to successive Harty Cup finals at centre-back, Hannon became a regular in the Limerick forward ranks, often on free taking duties.

This extended to the college scene where he was vice-captain and full forward on Mary I’s first ever Fitzgibbon Cup win.

But, on his arrival, Kiely shifted Hannon to centre-back where he showed his quality’s immediately. Following James Ryan’s retirement after Kiely’s maiden season in charge, he entrusted the captaincy into Hannon’s hands.

What has followed has been unprecedented success for Limerick with Kiely and Hannon at the helm.

Both made history on Sunday with Kiely becoming only the second man, after Brian Cody, to lift four All-Ireland titles as manager.

Hannon became the first player to ever lift the All-Ireland title four times as captain as he climbed the steps of the Hogan stand yesterday.

Such was his leadership, Hannon invited injured vice-captain Cian Lynch to lift the Liam MacCarthy with him.

Once again, Hannon was eloquent in his acceptance speech as he praised the accomplishments of all those involved in the unprecedented success.

Last year, Hannon joined Mick Mackey as the only players to lift the Liam MacCarthy three-times as winning captain.

Prior to that,  Mikey Maher (Tipperary) and Dick Walsh (Kilkenny) had also captained three sides to All-Ireland hurling victories.

But now Hannon stands alone in the pantheons of great hurling captains and still shy of his 30th birthday, don’t back against the Adare man furthering himself from the rest of the field.