If the hurling All-Stars were picked now ...
August 07, 2014
Its not over yet but we pick the best of the bunch so far. INPHO
1. Alan Nolan (Dublin)
The Dublin netminder is in pole position for the number one jersey after a string of impressive showings between the posts for Anthony Daly's side.
2. Shane O'Neill (Cork)
Cork will look to O'Neill's experience to instill confidence in the full-back line as they prepare to tackle Munster rivals Tipp.
3. JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)
The cool-as-you-like defender has gone about his business with the minimum amount of fuss and there are few full-forwards who will recall being marked by him with any great fondness.
4. Seamus Hickey (Limerick)
Tasked with the job of keep a close eye on Wexford's Liam Og McGovern in the quarter-final, Hickey didn't let the side down.
5. Padraig Walsh (Kilkenny)
The versatile Kilkenny newcomer has emerged from the shadows of his older brother Tommy and proven himself to be well-equipped to be able to mix it with the best at the very top level.
6. Brendan Maher (Tipperary)
Mark Eillis (Cork) boasts strong claims for the centre-back spot but Tipperary captain Maher gets the nod for now.
7. Cillian Buckley (Kilkenny)
The Dicksboro clubman has been a steadying influence in the Kilkenny half-back line and is looking good for a first All-Star award.
8. Aidan Walsh (Cork)
The dual star's sheer athleticism has been a welcome addition around the middle third of the field for Jimmy Barry-Murphy's side and he gets the vote ahead of Limerick's James Ryan.
9. Richie Hogan (Kilkenny)
The Kilkenny dynamo is an automatic choice and is currently joint-favourite (7/2) with team-mate TJ Reid for the Hurler of the Year accolade.
10. Shane Dowling (Limerick)
Dowling came up trumps for TJ Ryan's side when hitting 2-8 against Wexford and his accuracy in front of the posts is vital to any hopes the Shannonsiders possess of pulling off an upset against the Cats.
11. Patrick 'Bonnar' Maher (Tipperary)
Bonnar's importance to the Premier cause can't be underestimated and his physical presence helps him punch holes in opposition defences and create opportunities for those around him.
12. TJ Reid (Kilkenny)
Like Hogan, Reid has enjoyed a year to remember so far and Cats fans will be looking to him to add to his overall tally of 3-35 in the weeks ahead.
13. Pat Horgan (Cork)
The Rebel County's go-to-man has continued where he left off last year and has hit 2-41 in their four matches to date.
14. Conor McDonald (Wexford)
The teenage full-forward and his Model County team-mates ran out of steam against Limerick but his goal-scoring exploits - he scored 5-10 in total from play - deserve to be recognised.
15. Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)
A return of 5-34 from Callanan has been central to Tipperary's resurgence and their march to the last four of the Liam McCarthy race. Tweet
