Kilkenny receive seven GAA/GPA Hurling All Stars

Thu, 05 Nov, 2015 - 07:08

By Peter McNamara

All-Ireland champions Kilkenny have seven players on the 2015 GAA/GPA Hurling All Stars selection.

Paul Murphy, Joey Holden, Cillian Buckley, Michael Fennelly, Richie Hogan, TJ Reid, the most likely Hurler of the Year award recipient, and Ger Aylward will all collect their gongs on Friday night.

Of Kilkenny’s haul of seven, Ballyhale Shamrocks’ Holden and Glenmore's Aylward collect their first ever awards while Danesfort's Murphy lands his fourth, an incredible record in itself.

Goalkeeper Colm Callanan, Daithí Burke, David Burke and Cathal Mannion have been selected from All-Ireland finalists Galway.

The Tribesmen were overawed by the sheer will of Brian Cody’s Cats in the second half of the September showpiece.

However, Mannion, who was particularly impressive, and his team-mates picked have the consolation of an All Star for their 2015 efforts.

Munster finalists Waterford also have three players on the All Stars side.

However, Munster champions Tipp have just one with Séamus Callanan included in the No 14 slot.

Overall, there are seven first-time recipients and five survivors from the 2014 team, with Callanan the only non-Kilkenny player to receive awards in both years.

GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail stated: “On behalf of the GAA I congratulate the hurlers who have made this year’s shortlist. These awards are earned on the back of sublime performances which are the by-product of incredible commitment to the game.

“The recipients light up our summer and provide our young players and supporters with role models to aspire to. The awards are richly deserved as is the status that accompanies them.

“A special word of thanks also to Opel for their ongoing support of the awards.”

GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell added: "Congratulations to the GAA/GPA Hurling All-Stars sponsored by Opel who have helped light up the 2015 campaign.

“It is a very special award for the individual player and while the winners will be the first to acknowledge the collective role of their team mates, they can be very proud of their individual performances.

“We look forward to seeing who the players have chosen as the Hurler and Young Hurler of the Year. Thanks to our loyal sponsors Opel and MD Dave Sheeran for their outstanding backing of the scheme. Thanks to our selection committees and to all the county hurlers for their contribution to the 2015 season.”