Limerick Council Plans Civic Reception for Hurling Captain Declan Hannon

Limerick City and County Council is set to honour hurling captain Declan Hannon with a civic reception following his retirement from inter-county hurling. Hannon, a five-time All-Ireland champion and three-time All-Star, recently concluded a distinguished 15-year career representing the county. The proposal for the reception emerged during a council meeting, highlighting Hannon’s significant contributions to the sport at both club and county levels.

At the recent meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale District, Fianna Fáil councillor Bridie Collins advocated for the recognition of Hannon’s achievements. She emphasized the importance of celebrating his legacy, stating that a civic reception is well-deserved given his exceptional record in hurling.

The council management indicated that such a reception could take place at County Hall in Dooradoyle. However, they noted that it would need to involve all 40 elected members of the local authority. Vincent Murray, Director of the Adare-Rathkeale District, proposed the idea of hosting a joint reception for both the district and the full council.

Fellow councillor Adam Teskey from Fine Gael supported the motion, describing Hannon as a “magnificent” hurling talent deserving of a special mayoral reception. Teskey highlighted Hannon’s pivotal role in leading the team to historic victories, noting the significance of his contributions to the county’s sporting heritage.

In contrast, another Fine Gael member, Stephen Keary, suggested that the full council should manage the civic reception to avoid financial burdens on the local office. He expressed concerns about the potential costs associated with hosting the event, advocating for its location in Dooradoyle.

The discussions surrounding the reception reflect the community’s appreciation for Hannon’s remarkable career and the impact he has made on the sport of hurling in Limerick. As plans for the reception progress, the council aims to ensure that this tribute adequately reflects Hannon’s invaluable contributions to the game and the county.