Our ultimate Hurling XV with just one player per county

This was a tough task...

Goalkeeper: Cathal Dunne (Laois) 

Cathal Dunne is one of the most underrated goalkeepers in the game today. His outstanding display in the Joe McDonagh Cup Final last year was one of the highlights of the day. Dunne ticks every box and is the man we’ve gone with between the sticks. 

Right corner-back: Gerard Walsh (Antrim)

Gerard Walsh has been a rock for Antrim’s defence throughout his career. Strong in the tackle and intelligent in reading the game, he combines tight marking with an ability to break forward when needed.

Full-back: Huw Lawlor (Kilkenny) 

Huw Lawlor is widely regarded as one of the premier full-backs in hurling. Brave, composed and technically excellent, he has anchored Kilkenny’s rearguard through heavy pressure and remains a reliable force.

Left corner-back: Rian Boran (Kildare) 

Kildare’s Joe McDonagh Cup winning captain, Rian Boran is one of the best defenders in the game. His work rate, tight marking and leadership at the back make him indispensable for Kildare and a standout pick here.

Right half-back: Ruairí Ó Mianáin (Derry) 

Ruairí Ó Mianáin brings physicality and intelligence to the half-back line. A consistently dominant defender, he breaks down attacks and drives his own forward momentum, making him one of Derry’s and Slaughtneil’s most influential players.

Centre half-back: Ronan Maher (Tipperary) 

Tipperary’s All-Ireland winning captain, Ronan Maher is leadership personified. A multi All Star defender, he combines strength, reading of the game and scoring threat from deep with his trademark long range points. In this team, he is the pivot.

Left half-back: Fionan Mackessy (Kerry) 

Ok, we’re bending the rules here a little. Fionán Mackesey may now reside and play with Kilkenny, however he is a Kerry man, and by god what a hurler he is. Strong on the ball, tenacious in tackles and fearless in attack, he thrives against top quality opposition.

Midfield: Conor Burke (Dublin) 

Conor Burke is the engine in midfield for Dublin. Strong in the air, fierce in contests and always a threat to score, he consistently presses the opposition and links defence with attack with excellent judgment.

Midfield: Darragh Fitzgibbon (Cork) 

Darragh Fitzgibbon’s quality speaks for itself. A rolls royce player around the middle, he has been central to Cork’s recent success and remains one of the most complete midfielders in the sport.

Right half-forward: Cathal Mannion (Galway)

Galway’s scorer-in-chief, Cathal Mannion blends strength and skill beautifully. A powerful runner with excellent striking ability, he consistently scores from play and sets up teammates with vision and precision.

Centre half-forward: Cian Lynch (Limerick)

Cian Lynch is the heartbeat of Limerick’s golden era. His intelligence, accuracy and composure under pressure make him one of the defining forwards of his generation and a natural choice to orchestrate this attack.

Left half-forward: Lee Chin (Wexford)

Lee Chin’s influence on Wexford hurling is immense. A dynamic scorer and creator, he brings flair, unpredictability and athleticism to this forward line.

Right corner-forward: Dessie Hutchinson (Waterford)

Dessie Hutchinson is one of Waterford’s most creative and exciting forwards. Quick, skillful and able to score from distance or close range, he adds a sharp attacking edge to this team.

Full-forward: Shane O’Donnell (Clare) 

Shane O’Donnell’s goal scoring ability is elite. A natural finisher with instinctive movement, he brings real physicality and a constant threat inside the full-forward line.

Left corner-forward: Adam Screeney (Offaly) 

Adam Screeney is one of the brightest attacking talents in the game. Creative, clever with his movement and deadly accurate, he adds spark and scoring punch at the corner forward position.