Limerick break records as Cork left reeling by shock snub in hurling All-Stars

For the first time in either code since the scheme was launched in 1971, All-Ireland runners-up have failed to win even one award.

Cork’s loss is Limerick’s gain as John Kiely’s remorseless champions have secured 12 places on the PwC-sponsored GAA/GPA All-Stars hurling team for 2021.

This shatters the previous benchmark of nine awards, shared by Limerick (last year), Kilkenny (three times), the Dublin footballers (twice, including last season) and Mick O’Dwyer’s Kerry (in 1981).

In some respects, however, Cork’s omission qualifies as an even bigger story given that vanquished finalists could claim at least some representation on the previous 100 All-Star teams – 50 in each code.

Cork’s total eclipse has come predominantly as a result of the team that beat them twice last summer – Limerick had eight points to spare in a Munster semi-final and then 16 in the All-Ireland itself.

Limerick’s record-breaking dozen are led by Seán Finn, who wins his fourth straight award; Cian Lynch, now a three-time All-Star; and two-time winner Kyle Hayes. All three have been nominated for Hurler of the Year, to be voted on by the players, with the result to be announced tomorrow night.

The GAA journalists who chose this year’s team looked beyond the champions when picking Kilkenny ‘keeper Eoin Murphy, Waterford full-back Conor Prunty and former Hurler of the Year Tony Kelly from Clare.

The three Limerick regulars who miss out are Nickie Quaid, Dan Morrissey and Aaron Gillane, but Cork diehards will be deflated to see the likes of Seán O’Donoghue, Jack O’Connor, Séamus Harnedy and prolific skipper Patrick Horgan all overlooked.

2021 All-Star hurling team

1 Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny, 3rd award)

2 Sean Finn (Limerick, 4th)

3 Conor Prunty (Waterford, 1st)

4 Barry Nash (Limerick, 1st)

5 Diarmaid Byrnes (Limerick, 2nd)

6 Declan Hannon (Limerick, 2nd)

7 Kyle Hayes (Limerick, 2nd)

8 William O'Donoghue (Limerick, 1st)

9 Darragh O'Donovan (Limerick, 1st)

10 Gearoid Hegarty (Limerick, 2nd)

11 Cian Lynch (Limerick, 3rd)

12 Tom Morrissey (Limerick, 2nd)

13 Tony Kelly (Clare, 3rd)

14 Seamus Flanagan (Limerick, 1st)

15 Peter Casey (Limerick, 1st)