Shane Elliott – review of 2019’s hurling year

With the real hurling action over for 2019 it is time to look back at what has proven to be another great year for the game. I think it is fair to say it has not been on the same level as 2018 but then that was never likely to be the case given the incredible standards of the previous year. Nonetheless this year has had its fair share of drama, excitement and rip-roaring tussles. The ever-improving skill and fitness levels continue to make the game as attractive as it has ever been as we move towards a new decade.
As I consider the highs and lows of the year, I have produced a list of my choices for special mention.

Team of the year

As with any year it is seriously hard to look past the All-Ireland champions for this one. Under Liam Sheedy it was clear from the early part of the year in the league that Tipperary meant business. Their stickwork and hurling ability was never in doubt, but Sheedy clearly reinvigorated them following a disappointing 2018. They overcame disappointment in Munster, regrouped and produced brilliant semi-final and final performances against Wexford and Kilkenny respectively to regain the Liam McCarthy. Honourable mention to their final opponents Kilkenny who surpassed all expectations to reach the final overcoming the highly-fancied Limerick in the process. Wexford deserve credit for their impressive Leinster success as do Joe McDonagh champions Laois who advanced to the All-Ireland quarter final following their defeat of hot favourites Dublin.

Player of the year

We are living in an era where there are many standout players on show and this year, we have witnessed some great individual displays. Aaron Gillane of Limerick was on fire during the league and early championship. TJ Reid has been sublime for both club and county, likewise Brendan Maher of Tipperary who has impressively driven his club Borrisoleigh to the club semi-final after his own All-Ireland success. In many other years Patrick Horgan of Cork would have been player of the year as he consistently produced incredible performances throughout league and championship. He’s a bit like a fine wine as he seems to be getting better with age. His scoring feat of 3.10 in the quarter final against Kilkenny was the stuff of legend. However, it would be wrong not to give the honour to Seamus Callanan, the Tipperary captain. Callanan scored a goal in every championship game, a truly remarkable feat and led the line superbly with his movement, vision and eye for goal.

Young player of the year

It always amazes me when we see the top players without their helmet on how young they look. It has been apparent for some time that the age profile of inter county teams has reduced dramatically over the last number of years with the reasons being well documented and mainly attributed to the increasing demands on time. Consequently, there is no shortage of contenders for the young player award. Kyle Hayes of Limerick and Rory O’Connor of Wexford are exceptional talents but for performance and achievement I am going for Adrian Mullen of Ballyhale and Kilkenny. There must be a stud farm operating down there as Mullen follows in the long list of Ballyhale greats and was to the fore in the club’s All-Ireland success and a key part of the county team reaching the final.

Shock of the year

There can only be one winner in this category, the defeat of Dublin by Joe McDonagh champions Laois. After impressive showings in the McDonagh Laois went on to surprise everyone when they overcame a highly fancied Dublin to reach the All-Ireland quarter final where they also performed well against Tipperary. Eddie Brennan has brought a sense of belief to them and their progress in 2020 will be interesting to watch.

Disappointment of the year

Again, I think there is only one contender for this award. It has to be Galway. The 2017 champions and 2018 finalists failed to get out of the Leinster round robin. Given the talent they have at their disposal something was clearly wrong in the camp and the resignation of Michael O’Donoghue soon after their exit would suggest that to be the case. The loss of Joe Canning to injury didn’t help their cause but that aside they were a pale imitation of their former selves. Big disappointment and the shambolic recruitment process for O’Donoghue’s successor summed up a year they will quickly want to forget.

Score of the year

The quality of scores in this year’s action makes this a tough one to call. Patrick Horgan’s goals against Kilkenny were all top drawer. Brendan Maher’s point for Borrisoleigh in the Munster club final was inspirational. Shane Dowling’s overhead batted goal in the semi against Kilkenny was sheer class. Lee Chin’s solo effort in the other semi for Wexford against Tipp is a worthy contender but for me the score of the year was in the National league final between Limerick and Waterford. Aaron Gillane’s volleyed goal was brilliantly instinctive as he deftly guided a long delivery effortlessly to the net. Hand eye coordination at its very best, so quick that many people didn’t even realise he had touched it.
I could have filled a number of columns with 2019 highlights and many will have a different take on my choices but suffice to say I am already looking forward to 2020 for more of the same.