Goalkeeper: Darren Gleeson – Tipperary
Gleeson’s puck-outs were a weapon in their own right. He could place the ball into his half back or mid-fielder’s hand with unnerving ease. He had a good year between the sticks and wasn’t at fault for many goals. A very solid year and definitely the best keeper!
Corner-Back: Paul Murphy – Kilkenny
Murphy showed once again this year that is one of the tidiest corner backs around. He plays from the front and is rarely caught out. He very good in the air and faired extremely well against some of the sport’s biggest scorers this season.
Full-Back: Richie McCarthy – Limerick
By far the most consistent full back in the country in 2014. He is a tight marker, good in the air and inspirational when he bursts out of defence. McCarthy never had a poor game, keeping the likes of Seamus Callanan and Conor MacDonald out of proceedings. Great campaign!
Corner-Back; Seamus Hickey – Limerick
Certainly his best position, and certainly the most deserving of an All-Star for the number four jersey. His work rate was incredible and he never came out on the wrong side of his personal duel. His performance against Kilkenny is a contender for performance of the season. He was immense!
Wing-Back: Padraig Walsh – Kilkenny
Walsh was one of the breakout players of 2014. He came on the scene in the league and improved with each game. Walsh is great in the air for a small enough man and tenacious in the tackle. He showed his composure on numerous occasions with well-taken scores.
Centre-Back: Brendan Maher – Tipperary
Slightly out of position, but couldn’t leave him out. Maher assumed the captaincy in his stride and drove Tipperary all the way to the final. He was solid throughout the year and linked up well with the men around him. A real leader who never gave up!
Wing-Back: Cillian Buckley – Kilkenny
In his best position this season he really found his form. A brilliant man to catch a ball and has the skills to get himself out of tight corners. Cool in possession and good going forward, Buckley had a very steady year, capped with two solid displays in September.
Midfield: Richie Hogan – Kilkenny
First name on the team! Over the course of the year, he was the best player in the country, not to mind the best midfielder. He was excellent in every game bar the replay, but even then he chipped in with a couple of points. Outstanding year! Automatic pick!
Conor Fogarty: Kilkenny
Admittedly the toughest call of this team, Fogarty just about gets the nod. His work rate is almost unbelievable. He trekked around the field all year in search for possession, breaking up attacks and sending Kilkenny on their way forward.
Wing-Forward: T.J. Reid – Kilkenny
His free-taking ability means anybody would take him in their team based solely on that. When used on the wing, he showed his prowess under puck-outs and when he got the ball, it usually ended with him scoring or a teammate converting. A hugely impressive year!
Centre-Forward: Patrick Maher – Tipperary
A shoe-in for the number eleven shirt. Maher is the most destructive forward in the game and near impossible to halt without fouling. Countless times he got on the ball and went straight for goal; a sight defenders hate. He is a tireless, powerful worker who is priceless to Tipperary.
Wing-Forward: John O’Dwyer – Tipperary
O’Dwyer has a lovely style about him. Watching him play this year was easy on the eyes. Silky touches, magnificent passes and at times, audacious scores. He was well able to win his own ball and scored relatively consistently in Tipp’s games.
Corner-Forward: Colin Fennelly – Kilkenny
Somewhat under the radar, Fennelly was a major contributor of scores to Kilkenny’s cause this season. He was in goal scoring form early on and was always averaging about 0-3 a game from play. Successful season and worthy of his place!
Full-Forward: Seamus Callanan – Tipperary
Another man sure of his place on any All-Star selection, Callanan was superb for Tipperary all year. He constantly silenced his critics in emphatic fashion with goals, points, frees and assists. One of the runners-up to Richie Hogan for player of the year!
Corner-Forward: Shane Dowling – Limerick
A few other contenders, but Dowling was exceptional for Limerick. He was in scintillating form as he shot the lights out against Tipperary and Wexford in Thurles. Played well against Cork and led the attack superbly well against Kilkenny. Brilliant year from a brilliant player!
By John Ivory