The 2023 PwC GAA/GPA All-Star hurling team features 12 players from All-Ireland finalists Limerick and Kilkenny, with the Cats' Eoin Cody picking up a first award.
Champions Limerick, as was the case in 2022, occupy seven positions on the side, while Kilkenny's five is one more than last year.
Clare duo John Conlon and Shane O'Donnell and Conor Whelan of Galway round out the XV, a selection that sees Kilkenny sharpshooter TJ Reid win his seventh All-Star.
The PwC GAA/GPA Hurler of the Year nominees are the Limerick trio of Kyle Hayes, Aaron Gillane and Diarmaid Byrnes.
Adam Hogan (Clare), Mark Rodgers (Clare), Ciaran Joyce (Cork) are nominated in the Young Hurler of the Year category.
The All-Star ceremony will take place on Friday at the RDS in Dublin, where the football team of the year will be announced.
2023 hurling XV
1. Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny)
The highlights reel of the year will no doubt include Murphy's brilliant save to deny Clare's Peter Duggan late on in the All-Ireland sem-final. Somehow the Glenmore clubman pushed Duggan's rasping effort onto the crossbar to preserve the Cats' advantage at the death.
Following a great line of Kilkenny netminders that includes Ollie Walsh and Noel Skehan, Murphy's agility between the posts and his pinpoint restarts marks him out as one of the modern-day greats, with a fourth All-Star a recognition of his bravery and excellence.
2. Mikey Butler (Kilkenny)
After making us sit up and watch in 2022 when being named Young Hurler of the Year, Butler again showed his prowess as a man-marker, making life for difficult for Tony Kelly in another sem-final.
A player adept at getting in the block, the hook, and clutching the sliotar from the heavens. And a first-ever championship goal in that tussle with the Banner another highlight in what was a stellar season for the O'Loughlin Gaels player.
3. Huw Lawlor (Kilkenny)
A deserved second award for Lawlor, where he again showed his dominance at full-back. With pace and power in abundance, the 27-year-old is also an excellent distributor, while also being alert as to when to cover back. With Eoin Murphy behind him, the Cats boast a strong defensive pillar.
4. Dan Morrissey ( Limerick)
A dominant showing in the All-Ireland final, where his ability to catch high balls, helped nullify any chance of a late Cats surge. Did well in his battle with Eoin Cody. A third award for the Ahane clubman.
5. Diarmaid Byrnes ( Limerick)
The 2022 Hurler of the Year may have had a shaky start to the All-Ireland final, but a strong second-half showing where he devoured a lot of the Kilkenny puckouts highlighted yet again power in the half-back line.
His markmanship from frees and his knack of popping up with crucial scores from play when Limerick have been in tight situations further underlines his stature.
6. John Conlon ( Clare)
A second All-Star for the 34-year-old; his leadership to the fore as Clare went deep in the championship again. The Clonlara man may have spent most of his career further up the field, but his re-invention at No 6 was notable as Clare came close to ending a long wait for a Munster title.
7. Kyle Hayes ( Limerick)
An obvious choice in the half-back line. When Limerick up the intensity, Hayes is central to that surge. Dominant in the air and hard to dispossess, the Kildimo-Pallaskenry native deservedly takes home a fourth All-Star.
8. Darragh O'Donovan ( Limerick)
Terrific ball winner, while also providing an added layer of protection for the half-back line, O'Donovan's worth to the Limerick cause is unquestionable, as also evidenced by his ferocity in the tackle.
9. Will O'Donoghue ( Limerick)
Picked up a foot in jury three minutes into the All-Ireland final, but soldiered on until the 71st minute. A testament to O'Donoghue's workrate for the Treaty as he claims a second award.
10. Shane O'Donnell ( Clare)
Still doing it, but now as a tricky wing-forward, O'Donnell's hard work and graft was seen throughout the season. An able provider, but also clever enough to be at the end of moves where he finds the net.
11. TJ Reid (Kilkenny)
A magnificent seven for the magnificent TJ. The Ballyhale maestro is near flawless from dead balls and iis now showing in the twilight of his career that he is a key linkman in open play.
12. Tom Morrissey (Limerick)
Was subbed after 55 minutes of the All-Ireland final, but still offered enough energy and verve throughout the year to earn a third All-Star.
13. Conor Whelan ( Galway)
In a season where the Tribes will feel they again fell short, Whelan can be proud off his efforts in leading their scoring charge. A brilliant finisher and has speed to burn.
14. Aaron Gillane ( Limerick)
Found Huw Lawlor a tricky oppenent on the day Liam MacCarthy was won, but eventually found space to chip over a few key scores.
All season, the Patrickswell man has been the target man. High ball, low ball, crossfield or straight down on top of him, he can win it all and is more often than not unerringly accurate.
15. Eoin Cody (Kilkenny)
On his day is a lethal marksman, as evidenced by his goal in the All-Ireland final. Cody is also no slouch in trying to win the scraps in and around an opponents goal.
Watch the PwC All-Star Awards on Friday from 7.30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player
