THE 2020 Hurling season belonged to Limerick as they claimed a second All-Ireland title in three years at the expense of Waterford.
The Shannonsiders were imperious throughout the season, winning each of their five games, rarely looking trouble.
While Limerick were deserving winners, there were some notable performances from Waterford who fell short in the final and a memorable Leinster final snatch-and-grab from Kilkenny.
In what was an eventful six weeks of championship action, we pick an All Star team from 2020 below.
1.Goalkeeer
Nickie Quaid (Limerick)
Ten years after making his debut, Nickie Quaid will finally be recognised as an All-Star. An unreal season from one of the stalwarts of Limerick hurling. Well overdue.
2. Corner Back
Sean Finn (Limerick)
The best in the game at his position. A third successive All Star is incoming.
Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Final, Croke Park, Dublin 31/3/2019Limerick vs Waterford
Limerick’s Sean Finn and Stephen Bennett of Waterford
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie
3. Full Back
Dan Morrissey (Limerick)
Filled in at full-back with ease in the absence of Mike Casey. Was flawless from start to finish and where to play him in 2020 will be a welcome headache for John Kiely.
4. Corner Back
Daithi Burke (Galway)
Not your stereotypical corner back but with most teams employing just two inside backs, Burke fills in after another terrific season for Galway. Missed the Wexford game but was excellent against Kilkenny, Tipp and Limerick. Would be a fifth All-Star for the Turloughmore man.
5. Half Back
Diarmaid Byrnes (Limerick)
Hasn’t put a foot wrong all year and is a constant scoring threat from wing back. Will get a first All–Star.
6. Centre Back
Tadhg de Burca (Waterford)
A cruel injury in the final was a heartbreaking end to what was a fantastic season for De Burca. Magnificent at 6 for Waterford and a joy to see in full flight.
7. Half Back
Kyle Hayes (Limerick)
Many questioned his move from centre-forward to wing-back but the Kildimo Pallaskenry man was sensational in his new role. Unmarkable going forward and a rock in defence. YHOTY again.
8. Midfield
William O’Donoghue (Limerick)
Originally I had Jamie Barron nailed on for an All Star with O’Donoghue just missing out. However, Barron was at his quietest in both tests against Limerick, when directly up against the Na Piarsaigh man and for that reason alone, O’Donoghue gets the nod. He was colossal against Tipperary in the storm and the most powerful middle man in the game.
9. Midfield
Cian Lynch (Limerick)
Extremely tough on Barron again but Cian Lynch just has to make the team. Makes Limerick tick, from wherever he is deployed. A genius at work.
10. Half Forward
Gearoid Hegarty (Limerick)
20 points from play in five games, All-Ireland final man of the match. Hurler of the Year.
11. Centre Forward
TJ Reid (Kilkenny)
Its hard to imagine where Kilkenny would be without him. An exceptional talent and one of the greatest to ever do it.
12. Half Forward
Tom Morrissey (Limerick)
Had his own duel with Hegarty for man of the match in the All-Ireland final after winning the award in the semi-final. Probably only edged by his wing-forward teammate for HOTY.
13. Corner Forward
Stephen Bennett (Waterford)
A standout season for the Waterford man who took over the free taking mantle in the absence of Pauric Mahony. Was outstanding in the semi-final over Kilkenny.
14. Full Forward
Aaron Gillane (Limerick)
Even when he isn’t at 100% fitness, as he was in the final, there is not much you can do to curb the Patrickswell man. The focal point of the Limerick attack and almost impossible to stop.
15. Corner Forward
Tony Kelly (Clare)
If Clare had gone further than the quarter’s Kelly would be a shoo-in for HOTY after notching 1-45 in his first three games. Injury hampered him in that loss to Waterford but an unforgettable season all the same.
Unlucky to miss out
Barry Nash (Limerick)
His move from corner forward to corner back was seamless. Got better with every game and kept All Star Richie English out of the side.
Declan Hannon (Limerick)
Were it not for the otherworldly exploits of De Burca, Hannon would be collecting a second All Star.
Calum Lyons (Waterford)
An All Star in any other year but Byrnes and Hayes had to be included. YHOTY frontrunner alongside Hayes.
Conor Prunty (Waterford)
The Waterford captain was the rock at the base of an inexperienced full-back line.
Austin Gleeson (Waterford)
Is probably unfairly compared to his 2016 HOTY season but Gleeson has quietly gone about his business, grabbing a couple of crucial scores in each game, notably against Kilkenny down the stretch.
Dessie Hutchinson (Waterford)
Has taken to the intercounty game with ease and is getting better with each game under Cahill.
Cathal Mannion (Galway)
Has really stepped up to the mantle with Joe Canning’s time in the side running out. Unstoppable on his day as he was against Wexford.
Brian Concannon (Galway)
Was real standout for Galway this year, cementing his place in the starting side.
Jack Neville’s 2020 All Star team
- Nicke Quiad
- Sean Finn
- Dan Morrissey
- Daithi Burke
- Diarmaid Byrnes
- Tadhg De Burca
- Kyle Hayes
- William O’Donoghue
- Cian Lynch
- Gearoid Hegarty
- TJ Reid
- Tom Morrissey
- Stephen Bennett
- Aaron Gillane
- Tony Kelly
Breakdown: 10 Limerick, 2 Waterford, 1 Galway, 1 Kilkenny, 1 Clare
The post Opinion: Picking the 2020 Hurling All-Stars appeared first on Sporting Limerick.
