GAA President clarifies Limerick captain’s comment on backroom team

GAA President Jarlath Burns has today clarified a remark made by Limerick senior hurling captain Declan Hannon during his acceptance speech following Sunday’s history-making Munster senior hurling final win over Clare at FBD Semple Stadium.

Adare clubman Hannon lifted the Mick Mackey Cup for the sixth year in-a-row after Limerick defeated Clare on a final scoreline of 1-26 to 1-20. 

Limerick created history by becoming the first team in Munster to win six provincial titles in-a-row. 

Hannon opened his speech by paying tribute to this current group of Limerick players. 

“First of all, I want to thank the 36 [man] panel of Limerick players. They represent the county so well, day-in-day-out. I’m very, very proud of ye and the work you put in, the humbleness. Ye are amazing. Keep it going for the next six weeks.”

One particular moment in Hannon’s speech gained a lot of attention among hurling fans over the past 24 hours. 

”We’ve a backroom team of 53 people. I’m not gonna thank them all, but I want to thank in particular John Kiely and Paul Kinnerk for everything they do for us,” said Limerick senior hurling captain Declan Hannon. 

President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns, speaking during Morning Ireland on RTE Radio One this Monday morning, said he had clarified the comment in relation to the backroom team with Ard Comhairle representative of Limerick GAA, Paul Foley.

“I knew he [Declan] didn’t mean that. I’m very often standing beside the captain and I know how nervous it can be,” GAA President Burns said.

“I think it’s 37 of a panel and 16 of a backroom. He looked at the whole family all as one. If you want to get to the level of Limerick, you don’t have to have 53 people.”