As was the case with Tyrone in the football selection last week, All-Ireland champions Kilkenny swept the board when the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) Hurling Team of the Year was announced earlier today. Like Tyrone, Kilkenny dominate the team with nine of the 15 representatives.
Just four counties make the final list in total, with beaten finalists Waterford picking up two places while Tipperary (three) and Cork (one) are also represented.
The defensive unit of the selection is drawn almost exclusively from Brian Cody's side with the Tipp duo of Brendan Cummins (goalkeeper) and Conor O'Mahony (centre half back) the only exceptions.
James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick and Shane McGrath form the midfield partnership while Waterford's Eoin Kelly and John Mullane keep the freescoring Galway marksman Joe Canning out of the full forward line.
GPA Hurling Team of the Year
1 Brendan Cummins (Tipperary)
2 Michael Kavanagh (Kilkenny)
3 Noel Hickey (Kilkenny)
4 Jackie Tyrell (Kilkenny)
5 Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
6 Conor O'Mahony (Tipperary)
7 JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)
8 Shane McGrath (Tipperary)
9 James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick (Kilkenny)
10 Ben O'Connor (Cork)
11 Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
12 Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)
13 Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)
14 Eoin Kelly (Waterford)
15 John Mullane (Waterford)