Hurling Team of the Year 2007

MrJoeSoap

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Fitzhenry

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(Wexford)

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----Kavanagh

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Lucey

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Tyrell

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----(Kilkenny)

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(Limerick)

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(Kilkenny)

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Walsh

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McGrath

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Browne

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---(Kilkenny)

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(Waterford)

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(Waterford)

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Walsh

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Fitzpatrick

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(Waterford)

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(Kilkenny)

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----Shanahan

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Moran

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Larkin

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---(Waterford)

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(Limerick)

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(Kilkenny)

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---O'Shaugnessy

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Shefflin

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Brennan

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----(Limerick)

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(Kilkenny)

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(Kilkenny)

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Player of the Year: Dan Shanahan

That's according to last nights Sunday Game. Hard to argue with most of the positions there, I'd say Larkin and Brennan scraped in mainly because of their heroics in the final. Perhaps an unusual choice in goals but no keeper really stood out this year.

On a personal level it's great to see so many Waterford faces in there, and the outstanding memories of the year for me were Ken McGrath's catch running with the flight of the ball in Croker against Cork, and Dan the Man in general being a joy to watch all year. Roll on League 07/08!

An Citeog

It's hard to argue with their selection. Unlucky for Mark Foley, who was immense this year but that half-back line is unbelievable. I witnessed that catch by Ken McGrath first hand, absolutely unbelievable and the Sunday Game didn't even show it!

I'm not all that convinced on Shanahan for player of the year, although his goal-scoring was vital for Waterford. Tommy Walsh is another who should be in contention. O'Shaughnessy for young player of the year.

cruiserweight

I would have Hickey in instead of Kavanagh, and Geary in instead of Browne. Hickey for young hurler

MrJoeSoap

I think the reason Hickey wasn't in the team is because he was removed early in both the semi-final and final through injury. Probably a better player than Kavanagh when fit but Kavanagh has been Mr. Consistant for ages now. He's played in more All-Ireland finals than I've had hot dinners!

An Citeog

cruiserweight wrote:

I would have Hickey in instead of Kavanagh, and Geary in instead of Browne. Hickey for young hurler

Forgot all about Hickey. He had an excellent season aswell but I don't know if he'll get an all-star. O'Shaughnessy was the championship's top scorer and vital to Limerick's run to the final. He's only 22 so I think he still qualifies as a young player.

JHMEG

Molumphy somewhere in midfield/half back, and Predergast in the forwards in place of anyone other than Sheff. Tho both Eoin Kellys deserve a place there somewhere too. Ok, so Tipp's EK had a not great year, but he's still one of the best there is.

MrJoeSoap

JHMEG wrote:

Molumphy somewhere in midfield/half back, and Predergast in the forwards in place of anyone other than Sheff. Tho both Eoin Kellys deserve a place there somewhere too. Ok, so Tipp's EK had a not great year, but he's still one of the best there is.

I wouldn't put Prendergast ahead of O'Shaugnessy or Brennan. Brennan scored crucial goals and points when they were needed, whilst Prendergast was frequently awol. Still a great player on his day but not better than what is there.

Waterfords Eoin Kelly might have pushed for a place, but I reckon with so many Waterford players in there already the Sunday Game panelists might have taken the easier option.

JHMEG

MrJoeSoap wrote:

I wouldn't put Prendergast ahead of O'Shaugnessy or Brennan. Brennan scored crucial goals and points when they were needed, whilst Prendergast was frequently awol. Still a great player on his day but not better than what is there.

Waterfords Eoin Kelly might have pushed for a place, but I reckon with so many Waterford players in there already the Sunday Game panelists might have taken the easier option.

Prendergast set up so many of Waterford's scores, he's the Cathal Brugha of the Waterford team (ie totally selfless). I would probably rate him higher than Shanahan as a result.

After a Tipp vs Waterford match in the league where Waterford's Eoin Kelly out-scored Tipp's, someone (from the Banner!) said to me "it looks like there's a new Eoin Kelly in town". But I agree, the Sunday Game crew didn't want to upset the apple cart. Still tho, Waterford's EK has developed into a fantastic hurler in the last couple of years. His goal against Cork (where he had his hand over his mouth afterwards in disbelief) was one of the high-lights of the championship this year for me.

Of course this still doesn't detract that from the fact the Tipp's Eoin Kelly is up there with Sheff etc.

MrJoeSoap

JHMEG wrote:

His goal against Cork (where he had his hand over his mouth afterwards in disbelief) was one of the high-lights of the championship this year for me.

Especially considering the despairing stick-throw into his back by John Gardiner, I doubt Kelly even noticed.

Heln

JHMEG wrote:

Tho both Eoin Kellys deserve a place there somewhere too. Ok, so Tipp's EK had a not great year, but he's still one of the best there is.

Based on this year I don't think Eoin Kelly (for Tipp) deserves a place there. He couldn't seem to find his form all year but he is still a great player. Hopefully next year will be his year.

One Cold Hand

I absolutely hate Damien Fitzhenry. Such a stupid looking head on him! (That's a bit harsh I know!) There's I hate more than seeing him sprinting up the pitch to take a penalty.

Kojak

The one man that I'm surprised to not see there was Martin Comerford. Up until the final he was probably KK's most valuable player. I thought he should have gotten a place instead of Larkin, although it would have been close.

Most of the rest of the positions couldn't be argued with. Fitzhenry in goal is probably the best choice as I dont think that there was one outstanding goalie this year.

Dan Shanahan for Hurler of the year and Seamus Hickey for Young Hurler of the Year, despite the fact that he got skinned alive in the All-Ireland.

Erin Go Brath

What no Cork players on the team! I'm surprised the 'anti-Cork bias brigade' haven't swarmed this thread in disgust.


I couldn't arguely hugely with that team. Neither of the Eoin Kellys (Tipp or Waterford) had a great season imo, and neither would be on my team this year. I agree with someone who singled out Molumphy. He'll defintely be on that team in the next couple of years, and in defence Seamus Hickey will feature in the next few years I would think!

I also think Comerford, and Noel Hickey are very unlucky not to make that team. Dan Shanahan has to be player of the year. The man is a goal scoring machine, and absolute legend!

premierstone

ok so im probably goin to open up a hole hornets nest here and be slated for it but imo if you take sentiment out of it and deal strictly with performances on the field of play this year then Tony Browne would not be on my 15 i think JJ Delaney, Mark Foley and to a lesser extent Eammon Corcoran had a far better year

CountryWise

Damien Fitzhenry is an absolute legend of the game, take that back!

Zzippy

premierstone wrote:

ok so im probably goin to open up a hole hornets nest here and be slated for it but imo if you take sentiment out of it and deal strictly with performances on the field of play this year then Tony Browne would not be on my 15 i think JJ Delaney, Mark Foley and to a lesser extent Eammon Corcoran had a far better year

When i read this I thought it was a joke. Browne had an unbelievable year, some of his hurling was absolutely class. Only player to come near him from your list would be Foley, he had some brilliant performances too... 2 players near the end of their careers too, showing the younger lads how to do it

Daysha

Someone told me that it had to be your debut championship year to be in contention for young hurler of the year. Is that true? If it is Stephen Molumphy is a near cert. Even if theyre not the rules he should be up there. Its bad enough he's not on that team!

An Citeog

deise59 wrote:

Someone told me that it had to be your debut championship year to be in contention for young hurler of the year. Is that true? If it is Stephen Molumphy is a near cert. Even if theyre not the rules he should be up there. Its bad enough he's not on that team!

He had a very good year but who would you put him in ahead of? That team doesn't include the likes of Martin Comerford, maybe Ben O'Connor and your own Eoin Kelly. He's definitely an up and coming prospect and could well go on to win an allstar but I don't think he's deserving of one this year.

Not sure on the rules for young player of the year. This is Hickey's second championship season anyway.

Kojak

deise59 wrote:

Someone told me that it had to be your debut championship year to be in contention for young hurler of the year. Is that true?

AFAIK, you have to be U-21 to be eligible for Young Hurler of the Year.

Sir Graball

Erin Go Brath wrote:

What no Cork players on the team! I'm surprised the 'anti-Cork bias brigade' haven't swarmed this thread in disgust.


I couldn't arguely hugely with that team. Neither of the Eoin Kellys (Tipp or Waterford) had a great season imo, and neither would be on my team this year. I agree with someone who singled out Molumphy. He'll defintely be on that team in the next couple of years, and in defence Seamus Hickey will feature in the next few years I would think!

I also think Comerford, and Noel Hickey are very unlucky not to make that team. Dan Shanahan has to be player of the year. The man is a goal scoring machine, and absolute legend!

Totally agree about the Kellys Erin. Tommy Walsh might push Big Dan ( imagine that) for player of the year but for sheer charisma and coolness Dan deserves it.Comerford had a quiet one on Sunday but he works so hard and is the best man I've seen at breaking the ball into space in a long time.If Noel Hickey hadn't pulled the hamstring on Sunday he was going to have a stormer. Molumphy should have got it before Larkin and S Hickey should get young player of the year but the 1-5 deficit could go against him. Declan Fanning had a good year in the corner also.Couldn't argue with any of the other selections.

premierstone

Sir Graball wrote:

Declan Fanning had a good year in the corner also.Couldn't argue with any of the other selections.

Declan Fanning was full back all year but yes i agree he had a fine year for someone playing out of position

JHMEG

Erin Go Brath wrote:

What no Cork players on the team! I'm surprised the 'anti-Cork bias brigade' haven't swarmed this thread in disgust.

Good point.. surely Joe Deane should be in there. I don't think he ever has a bad game.

An Citeog

JHMEG wrote:

Good point.. surely Joe Deane should be in there. I don't think he ever has a bad game.

Instead of who? He didn't have the best of years this year etiher. He's still one of the most lethal and accurate forwards around.

sk8board

An Citeog wrote:

Not sure on the rules for young player of the year. This is Hickey's second championship season anyway.

believe it or not, Hickey had his c'ship debut against Dublin all the way back in 2000 (!). Same day as another new fella called Eddie Brennan.
Hickey must be 26 yo now. Brennan is 28.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2000/0614/hurling1.html

premierstone

sk8board wrote:

believe it or not, Hickey had his c'ship debut against Dublin all the way back in 2000 (!). Same day as another new fella called Eddie Brennan.
Hickey must be 26 yo now. Brennan is 28.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2000/0614/hurling1.html

Think you'll find people are talkin about Seamus Hickey from Limerick for young hurler of the year not Noel Hickey - seamus is the one that was been thrown around like a rag doll last sunday:D

sk8board

premierstone wrote:

Think you'll find people are talkin about Seamus Hickey from Limerick for young hurler of the year not Noel Hickey - seamus is the one that was been thrown around like a rag doll last sunday:D

ha that makes more sense alright.

MrJoeSoap

JHMEG wrote:

Good point.. surely Joe Deane should be in there. I don't think he ever has a bad game.

No way I'd even consider Joe Deane for team of the year this year, not even close.

An Citeog

sk8board wrote:

believe it or not, Hickey had his c'ship debut against Dublin all the way back in 2000 (!). Same day as another new fella called Eddie Brennan.
Hickey must be 26 yo now. Brennan is 28.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2000/0614/hurling1.html

I was talking about Seamus Hickey who made his debut last year for Limerick and was a mainstay in the team this year.

JHMEG

An Citeog wrote:

Instead of who? He didn't have the best of years this year etiher. He's still one of the most lethal and accurate forwards around.

It's hard to know who instead of. Cork didn't do well this year and won nothing, but I don't think it was Joe Deane's fault. As I said, I don't think he's ever had a bad game.

Tanabe

I suppose a certain ban (ahem)! has hampered the chances of three individuals from the Cork team of getting anywhere (of which one I wouldn't even consider worthy anyway, going on this years' performances).

MrJoeSoap

I don't think the ban in itself is the reason the three Semplegate players were left out, I really don't think any of the three warranted a place on the team with their performances alone. Feel free to argue for any one of them though.

Amazotheamazing

Cork lost 3 matches this year, Kilkenny lost none, Waterford 1, and Limerick 2. Hence the make up of the team, imo.

premierstone

Amazotheamazing wrote:

Cork lost 3 matches this year, Kilkenny lost none, Waterford 1, and Limerick 2. Hence the make up of the team, imo.

Surely if your picking a team of the year then it should be on individual performances and not how their county did in the championship?? And anyway Cork and Tipp both won more games than Limerick and the same amount as Waterford :rolleyes:

MrJoeSoap

premierstone wrote:

Surely if your picking a team of the year then it should be on individual performances and not how their county did in the championship?? And anyway Cork and Tipp both won more games than Limerick and the same amount as Waterford :rolleyes:

Yes, but thats because they lost in the Munster Championship and had to play more games. Waterford played five games, three of which they won. Flawed logic like "Cork won as many games as Waterford" isn't going to get you far.

Cork played seven and won three, against Offaly, Dublin and Clare, if my memory serves me correct. Now obviously it should be taken on individual performances, and not how well your team has done, but when you fail to beat Waterford in three attempts and lost to Tipp, the pundits are obviously going to look favourably on counties that perform well. Plus, nobody has mentioned which Cork players they would put in ahead of the team that was picked by the Sunday Game panelists, other than Joe Deane, which is almost laughable.

cruiserweight

premierstone wrote:

Surely if your picking a team of the year then it should be on individual performances and not how their county did in the championship?? And anyway Cork and Tipp both won more games than Limerick and the same amount as Waterford :rolleyes:

Don't forget the only team to beat wexford are all-ireland champions AFAIR Wexford are the only team to have made an all-ireland semi-final and not have a player picked as an all-star.

I think the team that was picked at the start is reasonable, and you can argue over one or two positions. Obviously if a team gets further in the championship then players from that team stand a better chance of being picked. No bias is involved. Well maybe pro Munster

MrJoeSoap

All-Star nominations are out. The county breakdown is: Kilkenny (11), Limerick (10), Waterford (9), Cork (7), Tipperary (3), Wexford (2), Galway (2), Laois (1). Very surprised Eoin McGrath was nominated, but no Eoin Kelly.

Goalkeepers: Damien Fitzhenry (Wexford), Brian Murray (Limerick), Donal Og Cusack (Cork)

Full Backs: Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny), Noel Hickey (Kilkenny), Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny), Seamus Hickey (Limerick), Stephen Lucey (Limerick), Damien Reale (Limerick), Declan Fanning (Tipperary), Aidan Kearney (Waterford), Keith Rossiter (Wexford)

Half Backs: Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny), Tony Browne (Waterford), Ken McGrath (Waterford), Mark Foley (Limerick), Brian Geary (Limerick), Eamon Corcoran (Tipperary), Conor O'Mahoney (Tipperary), Sean Og O'hAilpin (Cork), John Lee (Galway)

Midfield: Michael Walsh (Waterford), James Fitzpatrick (Kilkenny), Derek Lyng (Kilkenny), Tom Kenny (Cork), Jerry O'Connor (Cork), Donal O'Grady (Limerick)

Half Forwards: Ollie Moran (Limerick), Mike Fitzgerald (Limerick), Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny), Martin Comerford (Kilkenny), Stephen Molumphy (Waterford), Dan Shanahan (Waterford), Alan Kerins (Galway), Ben O'Connor (Cork), James Young (Laois)

Full Forwards: Andrew O'Shaughnessy (Limerick), Willie O'Dwyer (Kilkenny), Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny), Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny), Eoin McGrath (Waterford), Seamus Prendergast (Waterford), John Mullane (Waterford), Neil Ronan (Cork), Kieran Murphy (Cork)

rebs23

In fairness as a Corkman it's hard to argue for an AllStar for any Cork player this year with the exception of Donl Og in goal.

blackbelt

Derek O Reilly and Ronan Fallon from the Dublin team stood out.Despite not getting to the quarter finals,they were Dublins strongest players and the League performances were very encouraging.Its just a pity the Dublin goalie lost some form coming into the championship.