hurling

Tipperary dominate GAA/GPA Hurling All-Star team

25 May 2018 - 2:10PM

Tipperary hurlers, from left, Cathal Barrett, Pádraic Maher, Séamus Callanan, John McGrath, Ronan Maher and James Barry at the 2016 GAA/GPA Opel All-Stars Awards at the Convention Centre in Dublin.

Tipperary dominate the 2016 GAA/GPA Opel All-Star Hurling team with a total of seven players selected.

There are four counties in all represented with Leinster champions and All-Ireland finalists Kilkenny receiving four, while Galway and Waterford both received two awards from the initial list of 45 nominees.

Powerful Premier wing back Padraic Maher collects his fourth All-Star having been named at left half back alongside his younger brother Ronan who collected his first.

It’s the first time that two brothers have been honoured as Hurling All-Stars in the same year since Ollie and Joe Canning from Portumna in Galway were named on the 2009 selection.

The half back line is completed by first time recipient Pádraig Walsh from Kilkenny who follows in the footsteps of his older brother Tommy - who himself amassed an incredible nine All-Stars over the course of his illustrious career.

In attack, Tipperary’s John McGrath is one of nine first time All-Star recipients and emulates his older brother Noel, who is a two-time All-Star.

Uachtarán CLG Aogán Ó Fearghail said: “This great game of hurling which is unique to us as a people helps us keep in touch with the heroes and warriors of our past - and I want to sincerely congratulate the modern day heroes who have been announced as GAA/GPA All-Stars for 2016.

“Yet again it is a selection of the very highest calibre and as they enter the history books as prestigious holders of this coveted award it is a tribute to their families who stood behind them and also their Clubs who helped mould them into the players they have become.

“Our sincerest thanks to Opel for their continuing partnership with this most distinguished of awards schemes and my congratulations to Lee, Diarmuid and Austin for their overall awards – a recognition that carries the added significance of having been decided upon by their peers.”

Dessie Farrell, Chief Executive of the Gaelic Players’ Association, added: "Congratulations to the Opel GAA/GPA Hurling All-Stars for 2016 and to Lee and Austin on being recognised by the GPA membership as the outstanding individual players this season. Congratulations also to Young Players of the Year Diarmuid O'Connor and Austin, remarkable achievements both for the O'Connor family and for Austin in landing both awards this year.

Thanks to all the inter-county hurlers who contributed so handsomely to the 2016 season and to all the players who voted for the Players of the Year and to our loyal sponsors Opel who have given wonderful support to the All-Stars Awards Scheme."

Commenting on the announcement, Dave Sheeran, Managing Director Opel Ireland said: "With some fantastic moments over the course of the senior hurling champion season, it is no surprise to see eventual winners Tipperary dominating the shortlist this year. I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate this year’s Opel Players of the Year and Young Players of the Year, who tonight are being honoured by their peers for their commanding contributions to the season.”

GAA/GPA ALL-STARS, in association with Opel

Iomáint 2016

Goalkeeper

1 **Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny) First time winner