It sure ain't easy to pick the fifteen standout hurlers in this years' championship as it is very easy leave out someone that will pick up the offical gong! No doubt not all of my fifteen will make it but here goes my own personal opinion on the the team and players of the year.
1. Gary Maguire (Dublin)
The Metropolitan netminder enjoyed a spectacular season between the nets on a year that brought him Walsh Cup and National League medals. Of course, Dublin were only a whisker away from a final appearance. Maguire beats off stiff competition with his saves against Galway, Kilkenny and Tipperary springing to mind.
2. Paul Murphy (Kilkenny)
What a way to finish your first year on the team than with Leinster and All-Ireland medals. The Danesfort clubman brought an injection of pace to the Kilkenny full back line where his sheer hurling class saw him slot in well with Noel Hickey and Jackie Tyrell.
3. Peter Kelly (Dublin)
The Dublin youngster is very versatile as shown this year where he eventually ended up at full back due to injuries sustained to team mates. He certainly held his own with the best there is and it will be interestingly as to where Dublin will play him when they report a full bill of health as he is a crucial player for them.
4. Michael Cahill (Tipperary)
Thurles Sarsfields have supplied many great hurlers throughout the years. Young Cahill is starting tomould himself into a quality corner back and his All-Ireland final exemplified this where he gave a solid display in the losers' defence.
5. Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
What can you say about Tommy? He has it all and for a man who is shorter in stature than a lot of his oppents his aerial presence and puress under the high ball is not bettered with himself and Padraic Maher the standout wing backs in the country. On top of this he is a tight marker and has all the hurling skills of a great player.
6. Brian Hogan (Kilkenny)
The Kilkenny captain had a fantastic year for the Cats ending with him scaling the steps of the Hogan stand on two occasions to recieve the Leinster and All-Ireland cup's. He gave a masterclass in the All-Ireland final and curtailed the skilled Noel McGrath.
7. Padraic Maher (Tipperary)
Maher was imperious all year long and maintains a very high standard. He is adept under the high ball and his general hurling play is flawless. This is his third All-Star in a row and if he maintains his exceptional standards he could be picking of this gong every year.
8. Michael Fennelly (Kilkenny)
Arguably the hurler of the year in many people's eyes. The Ballyhale man has blossomed into a hurler of fine skill which is no surprise considering his stock. Had an outstanding year capped off by a memorable All-Ireland goal which set his side on their way. His brother Colin also makes this team.
9. Liam Rushe (Dublin)
Hard to believe this lad is still U21 the Dublin ace can play anywhere to great effect and has lined out in four different lines in championship fare. Had an impressive season showing great work rate and skill as the Dub's clinched a first league title since 1946. Like Peter Kelly he is also very versatile.
10. John Mullane (Waterford)
The Deise ace is remarkable and his scoring average of five points per game is unreal considering he does not take the frees for his county. Mullane scored his teams all important goal against Limerick before being curtailed somewhat in their Munster final massacre. Scored 1-6 from play against Kilkenny in the semi final showing why he is one of the best. Can play to great effect at any position in the forwards.
11. Patrick Maher (Tipperary)
The "Bonnar" gets my nod after his unselfish displays all year long. Of course, he may not score what a forward is expected to but he makes up for this with his sheer work rate where he constantly sets up his team mates for scores. Had an excellent All-Ireland final and while he usually lines out at wing forward, he could easily slot in at number eleven.
12. Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
King Henry, what a player and what a man, to come back from two serious cruciate injuries and each time come back stronger shows the quality and skill of this player. Impressive all year long particularly in the Leinster final where he pulled the strings and in the All-Ireland semi and of course the final where he caused Tipperary many problems.
13. Paul Ryan (Dublin)
The top scorer in the championship for 2011, the Dublin maestro has really developed into a player of class and is a very accurate free taker. Ryan enjoyed a brilliant year with his county with the crowning moment being their league success. He gots my nod for the number thirteen shirt.
14. Lar Corbett (Tipperary)
Corbett had another excellent year despite being somewhat subdued in the All-Ireland final. Then again it was very hard to expect another three goals in 2011's penultimate stage. He set the standard all year long with his Munster final 4-4 up there with the best individual displays in living memory. Still, the best forward in the country.
15. Colin Fennelly (Kilkenny)
Young Fennelly gets my nod for the other corner forward berth thereby joining older brother Michael on the team. Had a fantastic season for the Cats and caused numerous problems for corner backs with his speed and skill. Two classy All-Ireland final points capped off a memorable year for the Ballyhale Shamrocks clubman.
Young Hurler Of The Year- Liam Rushe (Dublin)
Hurler Of The Year - Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
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