Cian Lynch is the new Limerick hurling captain for 2025, replacing Declan Hannon in the role.
Adare man Hannon captained Limerick to five All-Ireland titles over the last seven years, beginning with their triumph over Galway in 2018.
Kilkenny stopped them in the semi-final the following year, but Limerick recovered, winning the next four titles in a row with Hannon as skipper.
Their dominance came to an end last year with Cork knocking Limerick out at the semi-final stages.
He has been replaced in the role by Patrickswell star Lynch, with Na Piarsaigh's William O'Donoghue named as the vice-captain for the year ahead.
Limerick captain Declan Hannon lifts the Liam MacCarthy cup after his side's victory in the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Kilkenny and Limerick at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Lynch lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2023 with Hannon missing the final through injury, and he has now stepped into the role, as confirmed by a Limerick GAA statement on Sunday morning. Hannon was thanked and highly praised for leading the team over the last number of years.
The Limerick Senior Hurling team are pleased to confirm the appointment of Cian Lynch as captain for the coming season. William O’Donoghue has been appointed as vice-captain. We would like to wish both Cian and William the very best of luck in their roles for the year ahead.
The Limerick Senior Hurling Management team and all in Limerick GAA would like to take this opportunity to thank Declan Hannon for his extraordinary leadership over the last seven seasons since his appointment in 2017. Declan has led the group by example in everything he did on and off the pitch.
He has been a wonderful example to those around him and a great support to all players and the management team throughout his time as Captain. New players joining the group in particular were always made welcome and encouraged by Declan.
In short Declan has at all times put the team first. We have no doubt that he will continue to do so as a player in 2025. Thank you Declan.
Chairman of Limerick County Board Seamus Mc Namara said “I’d like to wish Cian all the best in his role as captain and William as Vice Captain for 2025. I want to also pay tribute to Declan Hannon’s term as captain. He has been a fantastic role model and no doubt he will continue that on the field in 2025.”
