Team of the Allianz Hurling League: Top performers as Limerick lead the way

Following the Allianz Hurling League campaign which saw Limerick win their first title since 1997, we look at the standout performers.

1. Nickie Quaid (Limerick)

Perhaps the unsung hero of this Limerick team, the Treaty keeper is one of the most solid around, and the accuracy of his puck-outs is second to none in the game right now.

2. Tom Condon (Limerick)

With all the talk about younger stars bursting through, Limerick’s main bolter in the league campaign was possibly Condon, who was excellent throughout. Seizing his opportunity with some strong defensive showings, he has given his manager a real selection headache ahead of the summer.

3. Eoghan O’Donnell (Dublin)

Dublin hurling followers have known just how good the Whitehall Colmcille man has been for a number of years now, but O’Donnell’s performances in the springtime propelled him into the national psyche.

4. Noel Connors (Waterford)

The newly appointed Deise captain was solid right across the campaign, and recovered from a difficult first half marking Aaron Gillane in the decider to eventually come to terms with the Patrickswell man after the break.

5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Limerick)

Byrnes was immense throughout the league for Limerick, offering an outlet for puck-outs, driving forward and chipping in with scores. He’s undoubtedly the form wing-back in hurling at present.

6. Seán Moran (Dublin)

Along with O’Donnell at full-back, Moran helps form the steady spine of this Dubs team. The 26-year-old has been a rock at the back for Cuala in recent years, and is fulfilling a similar role for the Dubs under Mattie Kenny.

7. Dan Morrissey (Limerick)

Just like Byrnes on the other wing, Morrissey enjoyed a remarkable campaign for John Kiely’s outfit, putting in outstanding displays during wins over Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Waterford. His distribution from the half-back line into the forwards has brought the team to another level.

8. Jamie Barron (Waterford)

The two-time All-Star put in some eye-catching performances throughout the spring, and his showing in the semi-final against Galway was perhaps the pick of the bunch.

9. Diarmuid O’Keeffe (Wexford)

Wexford enjoyed a steady league campaign, and O’Keeffe was central to some of their some of their wins, making significant impacts in the home victories against Tipperary and Kilkenny.

Limerick duo Cian Lynch and Darragh O’Donovan are unlucky to miss out on midfield berths here.

10. Gearoid Hegarty (Limerick)

The giant half-forward’s work rate was key to the Treaty on the path to their first league title since 1997. Putting in the hard yards tracking back, he won and broke the ball, as well as taking scores when they were on.

11. Joe Canning (Galway)

Canning was arguably the standout player of the springtime, with many suggesting that the Portumna star was enjoying his best ever league campaign. His injury lay-off is disappointing news for hurling fans everywhere.

12. Tony Kelly (Clare)

Despite a difficult start after a red card against Tipperary which resulted in him missing the Kilkenny game, the Ballyea superstar bounced back with a bang. He is playing his very best hurling right now, buzzing about the half-forward line and providing breath-taking scores. We’ve nudged him over to the wing to make space for both himself and Canning in the side.

13. Oisin O’Rorke (Dublin)

With frequent rotation in the Dublin forward unit, the Sky Blues had several impressive individual showings. Perhaps the most consistent forward throughout the league was Kilmacud Crokes star O’Rorke, who nailed down a starting berth before injury in the loss to Limerick.

14. Stephen Bennett (Waterford)

The Waterford sharpshooter enjoyed a positive league campaign, racking up 4-85 across the eight matches. Acting as a target in the full-forward line, the Ballysaggart man was at the top of his game and ably deputised in the absence of Pauric Mahony on placed balls.

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