Chamions Clare lead the way with six representatives.
Beaten finalists Kilkenny are next best, with four on the team while Division Two A Champions Laois are next, with two of their players making the cut.
Making up the remainder of our GAA JOE Team of the Allianz National Hurling League are sole-representatives from Cork, Tipperary and Limerick.
Honourable mentions go to Laois duo Tomás Keyes and Aaron Dunphy, to Carlow’s Chris Nolan, Westmeath’s David Williams and to Kilkenny’s Cian Kenny, all of whom missed out only marginally.
GAA JOE Team of the National Hurling League
1 Enda Rowland (Laois)
Typically solid between the posts, Rowland also displayed his considerable ball-striking ability with 0-5 frees throughout Laois victorious Division Two A campaign.
2 Adam Hogan (Clare)
The 20-year-old turned in a number of outstanding displays throughout the League, including the final where he won man-of-the-match. Has become a key member of the team.
3 Conor Cleary (Clare)
Cleary was typically safe and assured at number three and is now arguably one of their most important players.
4 Shane Murphy (Kilkenny)
One of the finds of the League for Kilkenny. The Glenmore man is strong, fast and a potential starter in this year’s Championship.
5 Diarmuid Ryan (Clare)
Has had a fine start to the season, winning the Fitzgibbon Cup with Mary I before starring for Clare, particularly against Tipperary winning man-of-the-match.
6 Paddy Deegan (Kilkenny)
Kilkenny’s new captain led by example, with a string of outstanding displays.
7 Cathal O’Neill (Limerick)
A positional switch that worked wonders. It’s unlikely O’Neill will line out in the half back line when Limerick are at full strength but he none-the-less show-cased his versatility throughout the competition.
8 Cathal Malone (Clare)
An extremely under-rated hurler who rarely makes a mistake. He was typically reliable for Clare throughout the League, with his work-ethic in the midfield a key part of their game-plan.
9 Darragh Lohan (Clare)
One of Clare’s brightest sparks in the League was Lohan, who hurled very well throughout. Works hard and is good in possession.
10 David Fitzgerald (Clare)
Player of the League for many, Fitzgerald’s scoring returns were outstanding. He ended the campaign with 2-16 from play
11 Jer Quinlan (Laois)
Still an U20, the highly rated Quinlan was a breakthrough star for Laois in their Division Two triumph, helping himself to 3-11 from play in seven games.
12 Adrian Mullen (Kilkenny)
The Ballyhale ace scored 0-19 from play in a fine League campaign that saw him deployed in a more attacking role.
13 Eoin Cody (Kilkenny)
Sparkled in the League final with some dazzling moments but was outstanding throughout for Kilkenny, racking up 3-23 in seven games for a finish.
14 Alan Connolly (Cork)
The Blackrock club-man only returned to the Cork team late on in the League, having been out injured, but he made an instant impact, scoring 6-3 in two games.
15 Jake Morris (Tipperary)
Has fast become one of Tipp’s best forwards. Scored 4-11 from play despite having missed two of Tipp’s games with a hamstring injury.
