The stars of the show.

The open nature of the Minor Hurling Team of the year underlines just how competitive the 2018 championship was. By the end of it all, it was Galway who lifted the Irish Press Cup for a second year in a row but that was only after they came through some tough tests along the way.

It’s hardly surprising then that the men of Galway lead the way on 2018’s dream 15. Jeffrey Lynskey’s side account for five members of the team with Richie Mulrooney’s young Cats just behind them with four. Three Tipperary lads made the cut as did two from Dublin and one from Limerick.

Electric Ireland ambassador and Kilkenny legend Michael Fennelly was one of those in charge of picking the team and he praised the individuals and the clubs of the individuals who’d made it.

“These players have performed exceptionally throughout the season, giving it their all at every match. Their talent is a testament to the families and communities that have supported them on their journey, and they’ve earned their place on the Team of the Year,” said the Kilkenny man.

There were some standout individual performances throughout the year. Full back Shane Jennings was exceptional when Galway needed him in the decider. Donal O’Shea, son of former Tipperary manager Eamonn, was another who shone brightly.

Kilkenny lost the final but they wouldn’t have been there were it not for Ciaran Brennan’s exploits in the forwards and Conor Kelly’s rampaging runs from midfield.

One man who can feel slightly aggrieved not to be named is Galway’s Evan Duggan. The St Thomas club man was a towering presence in the Galway half back line all year and he was also responsible for the score of the year, one of the scores of all-time minor history in this year’s final.

Fantastic score from Galway's Evan Duggan! pic.twitter.com/7aU8n1Md5n

— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 19, 2018

Team of the year

1 Patrick Rabbitte – Galway, (St. Mary’s)
2 Conor Whelan – Tipperary, (CJ Kickhams)
3 Shane Jennings – Galway, (Ballinasloe)

4 Jamie Young – Kilkenny, (O’Loughlin Gaels)
5 Darragh Maher – Kilkenny, (St. Lachtain’s)
6 Seán Neary – Galway, (Castlegar)
7 Seán Phelan – Tipperary, (Nenagh Eire OG)
8 Conor Kelly – Kilkenny, (O’Loughlin Gaels)
9 Donal Leavy – Dublin, (Naomh Olaf)
10 James Devaney – Tipperary, (Borris-Ileigh)
11 Cathal O’Neill – Limerick, (Crecora-Manister)
12 Ciarán Brennan – Kilkenny, (Bennettsbridge)

13 Luke Swan – Dublin, (Castleknock)
14 Donal O’Shea – Galway, (Salthill/Knocknacarra)
15 Dean Reilly – Galway, (Pádraig Pearses)

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