The right time to freshen things up

DECLAN HANNON has said it was the "right time for the group" for him to pass on the Limerick captaincy.

- PAT NOLAN

It emerged in January that the Treaty management had decided to replace Hannon as skipper with Cian Lynch after the Adare man had held the role since 2017 - with that first season the only one in which he didn't lift major silverware.

From 2018-24, Hannon became the most successful captain in hurling history, outstripping Christy Ring by lifting the Liam MacCarthy Cup a record five times as well as six Munster titles and three Allianz Leagues.

Lynch deputised for Hannon in the run-in to the 2023 All-Ireland win as a knee injury ruled the centre-back out though they both lifted the cup together.

Hannon (inset) said: "Obviously I had a great time and was lucky to be involved as the captain when we won a couple of bits and pieces, but there's obviously no better man than Ciano to take it on. I think it was probably the right time for the group as well to freshen things up like that.