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Declan Hannon
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Declan Hannon.

All Ireland Senior Hurling Captain

Declan Hannon is one of the most decorated leaders in the history of GAA. As captain of the Limerick senior hurling team, he led his county to five All-Ireland Senior Championships across one of the most dominant eras ever seen in the sport. A native of Adare, Co. Limerick, Declan now works with organisations and leadership teams on the themes of high performance, team culture, resilience and sustaining success. He brings a perspective that resonates beyond the world of sport

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Biography

Declan Hannon is one of the most accomplished and respected figures in Irish sport. As captain of the Limerick senior hurling team, he led his county to five All-Ireland Senior Championship titles, playing a central role in what is widely regarded as the most dominant era in the history of hurling. Under his leadership, Limerick became a benchmark for team culture, collective resilience and sustained excellence at the highest level. A native of Adare, Co. Limerick, Declan brings to his speaking engagements the hard won insights of someone who has spent over a decade performing and leading under intense pressure. His sessions draw on lived experience rather than theory – exploring what it actually takes to build a team that doesn’t break, how to maintain standards across a long cycle of competition, and how leaders can create the conditions for others to perform at their best. He speaks on leadership, high performance culture, resilience, team building and the mental demands of sustained success. His style is honest, reflective and grounded – the kind of voice that connects with senior business leaders, athletes and leadership teams in equal measure.

Speaking Topics

  • Building a Culture That Doesn’t Break – What it takes to create a team environment where standards are non negotiable, pressure is embraced and collective identity drives performance. Drawn from Limerick Hurling’s dynasty.
  • Leading From the Front – The responsibilities and realities of captaincy – how to lead peers, earn trust, and hold a team together during the inevitable difficult periods.
  • Sustaining Success – How do you stay hungry after you’ve won? The discipline, mindset and habits required to maintain excellence over a long cycle.
  • Resilience Under Pressure – Performing when the stakes are highest, managing setbacks and building the mental foundations that separate good teams from great ones.
  • The Reset – How high performers step back, recalibrate and return stronger. Practical and honest insights on recovery, perspective and mental health in elite sport.