Borris-Ileigh's Brendan Maher gathers possession. PHOTO: ODHRAN DUCIE

IN ALL FAIRNESS - Team of the County Senior Hurling Championship 2019

Shane Brophy

Published: Thu 7 Nov 2019, 5:05 PM

Last updated: Thu 7 Nov 2019, 5:07 PM

IN ALL FAIRNESS

The curtain has come down on one of the most open County Senior Hurling Championships in recent memory.

We have a deserving champion in Borris-Ileigh who came good when the pressure was on but overall, when the quarter-finals took place, you would have given any of the eight teams a chance of winning, and that didn't include Loughmore/Castleiney who didn't even get that far.

So as we reflect on an exciting championship, here is the my senior championship team of the year.

1 – Declan O'Dwyer (Clonoulty/Rossmore): The defending champions gave up their title in the quarter-final stage but not without a fight and put for the performances of Declan O'Dwyer in goal, they wouldn't have gotten that far.

2 – Paddy Stapleton (Borris-Ileigh): Played at full back mostly for Borris and while he gives away a lot in size in that position, he makes-up for it in cuteness as Stapleton's presence in the full back line was crucial in his side winning the county title.

3 – James Quigley (Kiladangan): If there was a club player of the year award, James Quigley would have to be among the shortlist. Had an outstanding campaign with his ability to attack the ball and was never out-muscled. Should go close to an inter-county call-up.

4 – Craig Morgan (Kilrane MacDonaghs): An outstanding player and an outstanding leader at just the age of 20. Brought his under 20 inter-county form back to his club and is another that will be a Tipperary senior player of the future.

5 – Donagh Maher (Burgess): One of the most consistent players at club and inter-county level. Donagh Maher never produces less an 8/10 performance and was unlucky Burgess didn't progress further in the North & County Championship.

6 – Alan Flynn (Kiladangan): Really is becoming a rock at the heart of the Kiladangan defence. Doesn't do the spectacular but goes about his role efficiently and is a strong heart beat at the centre of their defence.

7 – Barry Heffernan (Nenagh Eire Og): Has developed into the all-round player his talent suggested and is now putting his height and physical power to better use. One Nenagh can build around going forward.

8 – Noel McGrath (Loughmore/Castleiney): What can you say about Noel McGrath that hasn't been said about him this year? Was outstanding for club and county and even on the day they were knocked out by Clonoulty, he couldn't have done more.

9 – Dan McCormack (Borris-Ileigh): A key presence in the Borris-Ileigh side. When he gets on the ball and bursts forward, things then to happen for the maroons.

10 – Stephen Murray (Burgess): Another player who would have to be on the player of the year shortlist. Consistently excellent for his club, even though he's their main forward, few teams have successfully put the shackles on him.

11 – Timmy Hammersley (Clonoulty/Rossmore): Arguably Hammersley was more impressive this year than in 2018 when his club won the championship. His 19 point performance against Loughmore is one of the highlights of the year.

12 – Conor Kenny (Borris-Ileigh): He might not have had the final performance he would have hoped but Borris-Ileigh wouldn't have gotten there without Kenny whose displays in the North & County semi-finals against Burgess and Kilruane MacDonaghs respectively showed why he was joint-captain.

13 – Mark McCarthy (Toomevara): Where would Toomevara be without Mark McCarthy? He's their key forward and no matter how opponents try to plan for him, he always gets in for key scores.

14 – Paul Flynn (Kiladangan): Another player of the year candidate. His performances for a four week period in September were outstanding be it at full forward or centre forward when needed. Worth another chance at inter-county level.

15 – Billy Seymour (Kiladangan): He might not have had the finish to the championship he would have hoped but Billy Seymour was a thorn to many defences right throughout the championship. Has developed from a fringe starter for Kiladangan this year to the cusp of a senior inter-county call-up.

Manager of the Year - Johnny Kelly (Borris-Ileigh): A good manager maximises his troops and for the knockout stages, the maroons realistically worked with sixteen players with Jack Hogan the only sub used off the bench. He was also able to get his best fifteen onto the field for the key games at the end of the season which also highlights the work of the backroom team in getting their players fit and ready for the business end of the season.