Clare's Shane O'Donnell and Tony Kelly celebrate following the All-Ireland SHC Final at Croke Park. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Clare’s epic 2024 season that saw them capture the Liam MacCarthy Cup for the first time since 2013 and the Allianz League title for the first time since 2016 sees them deservingly dominate the list of PwC Hurling All-Stars nominees announced today.
The Banner braves are the standout contingent in the list of 45 names that have been released as the contenders for the prestigious PwC GAA/GPA Awards and have 14 players nominated across all areas of the field.
In addition, star forward Shane O’Donnell is nominated for PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year – where he is joined by Cork’s midfield dynamo Darragh Fitzgibbon and Limerick’s defensive rock Kyle Hayes for the overall award. The PwC GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year nominees are Clare’s Adam Hogan, Cork’s Eoin Downey and Limerick’s Cathal O’Neill.
There are eight counties represented in total. The breakdown is Clare 14, Cork 10, Limerick nine, Kilkenny four, with Waterford, Wexford, Dublin and Antrim having two representatives each.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “After yet another sensational season of hurling, it was no easy task to whittle that stellar field to this list of 45 and that is why I want to salute all of those who have been shortlisted for a PwC Hurling All-Star today. This panel of players were influential in providing us with a summer that gave us so much joy through their feats of hurling skill.
“This recognition will mean a lot to their families and clubs, and I also congratulate our nominees for the PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year and Young Hurler of the Year. I want to acknowledge the support of PwC and the GPA for ensuring that the All-Stars continues to be such an important part of the GAA’s annual calendar.”
GPA CEO Tom Parsons said: “What a year it has been for hurling, capped off by a final for the ages in which Clare and Cork served up a reminder, as if it were needed, of how blessed we are all across Ireland and across the world, to call this game ‘ours’.
“In a year of excellence, these 45 nominees were adjudged to have been the stand-out performers and for that, each and every one of them should be extremely proud. Congratulations to you all.
“And to the three PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Year nominations and the three in the running in the young player category, the very best of luck.”
Enda McDonagh, Managing Partner, PwC, said: "On behalf of everyone at PwC, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the hurlers named as 2024 PwC All-Star nominees. Each of you has made remarkable contributions to your team’s performances throughout the championship, inspiring future generations of hurling stars. Being nominated is a well-deserved recognition of your talent and dedication. Your outstanding contributions to team performances during the thrilling championship sees you deservingly recognised for your commitment, excellence and dedication. Values we reward and celebrate in PwC.”
The nominations were chosen by a panel of Gaelic Games journalists from across, print, radio, TV and digital media. The All-Stars scheme dates back to 1971, and the PwC Hurling All-Stars will be announced live on RTÉ tv at a special banquet in the RDS on Friday, November 1st – the 140th anniversary of the formation of the GAA.
PwC Hurling All-Stars Nominations
Goalkeepers
Patrick Collins (Cork)
Nickie Quaid (Limerick)
Eibhear Quilligan (Clare)
Defenders
Adam Hogan (Clare)
Conor Cleary (Clare)
Conor Leen (Clare)
Diarmuid Ryan (Clare)
John Conlon (Clare)
David McInerney (Clare)
Eoin Downey (Cork)
Robert Downey (Cork)
Ciarán Joyce (Cork)
Dan Morrissey (Limerick)
Kyle Hayes (Limerick)
Barry Nash (Limerick)
Huw Lawlor (Kilkenny)
David Blanchfield (Kilkenny)
Calum Lyons (Waterford)
Tadhg de Búrca (Waterford)
Chris Crummey (Dublin)
Paddy Burke (Antrim)
Midfielders
Darragh Fitzgibbon (Cork)
Tim O’Mahony (Cork)
Tony Kelly (Clare)
Cathal O’Neill (Limerick)
Conor Burke (Dublin)
Cian Kenny (Kilkenny)
Forwards
Shane O’Donnell (Clare)
Mark Rodgers (Clare)
Aidan McCarthy (Clare)
Peter Duggan (Clare)
David Fitzgerald (Clare)
David Reidy (Clare)
Shane Barrett (Cork)
Seamus Harnedy (Cork)
Patrick Horgan (Cork)
Brian Hayes (Cork)
Gearóid Hegarty (Limerick)
Tom Morrissey (Limerick)
Aaron Gillane (Limerick)
David Reidy (Limerick)
Lee Chin (Wexford)
Rory O’Connor (Wexford)
John Donnelly (Kilkenny)
James McNaughton (Antrim)
PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year Nominees
Shane O’Donnell (Clare)
Darragh Fitzgibbon (Cork)
Kyle Hayes (Limerick)
PwC GAA/GPA Young Hurler of the Year Nominees
Adam Hogan (Clare)
Eoin Downey (Cork)
Cathal O’Neill (Limerick)
