WATCH: “We’re loving these days” | Declan Hannon’s All-Ireland speech in full

Declan Hannon hoisted the Liam MacCarthy for the third time in four years yesterday as Limerick defeated Cork in the All-Ireland final.

Limerick’s Declan Hannon joined an illustrious list yesterday as he became only the fourth man to captain his side to three All-Ireland title.

The centre-back was withdrawn with five minutes to play to an incredible ovation as the strong Limerick attendance showed their gratitude to their number six.

As he did so elegantly in 2018 and 2020, Hannon was so gracious in accepting the Liam MacCarthy title, praising the extensive Limerick team.

Although he did have to correct the GAA president Larry McCarthy who initially said Hannon was from Adare.

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!”.