The greatest inter-county hurling XV of the 21st century

Genius and class everywhere!

Some fiercely talented competitors have been left out, but, unfortunately, you can't pick everyone.

Goalkeeper - Nicky Quaid (Limerick)

It's tough to separate Quaid, Brendan Cummins and Eoin Murphy, and to be honest, there is no wrong answer.

The Treaty net-minder seems to be getting better with age, and his distribution is arguably the best of all-time.

Right corner-back - Seán Finn (Limerick)

The attacking flair is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of this generation's great Limerick side.

But they wouldn't have had half the success without this man-marking titan.

Full-back - JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)

Simply one of the best players to ever grace the field, and has the accolades to boot.

Nine All-Irelands, 11 Leinster titles, and seven All-Stars!

Left corner-back - Jackie Tyrrell (Kilkenny)

Defined by his toughness and mental fortitude, the James Stephens man was a player who you wanted to go into battle with.

A rock at the back for 13 seasons with the Cats.

Right half-back - Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)

His nine All-Star awards is joint second all-time, behind Henry Shefflin.

The 2009 Hurler of the Year could play multiple positions to an extremely high level, making him the most rounded player in the side.

Centre half-back - Pádraic Maher (Tipperary)

His six All-Star awards and three All-Ireland titles are impressive considering the utter dominance of Kilkenny and Limerick.

One of the most physical men to ever play the sport, but with all the skills to go with it.

Left half-back - Kyle Hayes (Limerick)

A Rolls-Royce of a hurler, despite his behaviour off the pitch.

He could end up matching Walsh's All-Star count when all is said and done.

Midfield - Cian Lynch (Limerick)

Still only 30-years-old, the Limerick captain's legacy will be legendary by the time he hangs up his hurl.

He was magnificent in helping guide the Treaty to another All-Ireland title this year, and he remains one of the most skilful and entertaining players to ever play.

Midfield - Tony Kelly (Clare)

Like his partner in the middle, he falls into the 'magician' category of player.

He won Hurler of the Year at just 19 - a record which we may never see broken.

His goal in the 2024 All-Ireland final cemented him as an icon of hurling.

Right half-forward - Gearóid Hegarty (Limerick)

Guaranteed his place on the team with his performances in this year's championship; going on to win Hurler of the Year, and become only the third multiple winner of the award, alongside Lynch and Shefflin.

Like Lynch and a handful of others on the Treaty team, there is plenty more left in the tank.

Centre half-forward - Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)

To many he is the GOAT of hurling, and he is also in the conversation for the greatest Irish sportsperson ever.

Three Hurler of the Year awards, 11 All-Stars, 10 All-Irelands, and 13 Leinster titles.

Left half-forward - Joe Canning (Galway)

Carried Galway on his back many a time since first bursting onto the senior scene as a teenager.

A real superstar of the game, and was rewarded for his relentless efforts with an All-Ireland title in 2017.

Right corner-forward - Eoin Kelly (Tipperary)

A two-time All-Ireland winner - including the 2001 title, in his first full season as a senior - but his talent deserved more.

His finest hour came when he captained Tipperary to victory in 2010, and in the process stopped Kilkenny's march to five in a row.

Full-forward - Séamus Callanan (Tipperary)

It was a tight call between himself and Aaron Gillane, but the latter has many more years to claim his place.

An absolute force of nature in his pomp, and his record of a goal a game during Tipp's All-Ireland winning 2019 season will be hard to beat.

Left corner-forward - TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

Deservedly claimed the record for highest championship scorer of all-time earlier this year.

His incredible longevity has been facilitated by his sheer ability and class.