Ballygunner's status as the dominant force in club hurling has been reinforced by the selection of eight of their players on the AIB GAA club hurling team of the year.
In addition, the shortlist for Hurler of the Year 25/26 is an all Ballygunner affair with teammates Dessie Hutchinson, Paddy Leavey and Stephen O’Keeffe in the running for the top individual prize.
Galway champions and All-Ireland finalists Loughrea and Leinster winners St Martin’s of Wexford are also well represented on the team of the season.
After having 22 points to spare over Mount Sion in the Waterford county final, Ballygunner had a tough path to provincial honours and had to overcome three quality teams in Na Piarsaigh of Limerick, Sarsfields of Cork, and Éire Óg Ennis of Clare. Leinster champions St Martin’s asked plenty of questions in the semi-final as did Loughrea for long spells in the final.
Ultimately however, Ballygunner always had the answers.
A series of superb saves in the All-Ireland final capped another impressive campaign for their iconic goalkeeper Stephen O’Keeffe who is now a five-time winner of this award and the most decorated hurler since the scheme started in 2018.
He is joined in defence by Ian Kenny at full back who wins a third Club Player Award as well as Aaron O’Neill, and Harry Ruddle.
Midfielder Paddy Leavey is another three-time recipient and up-front Peter Hogan wins a second award, Kevin Mahony joins his multi-award-winning brothers Philip and Pauric and Dessie Hutchinson is now a four-time winner.
Loughrea caught the eye with the energy and intensity of their effort, posting impressive numbers when it came to hooks and blocks and tackles and they had the inside finish to match.
Shane Morgan and Cullen Killeen were central to that charge and are named at centre back and midfield while, up front, Anthony Burns impressed as one of the leaders of their attack and saw off stiff competition to be selected.
Brothers Jack and Rory O’Connor used all of their experience and craft to inspire what was a brilliant campaign for St Martin’s once they emerged from Wexford and toppled big names in Leinster.
They are joined by defensive linchpins Joe Barrett and Philip Dempsey to complete the line up.
Dessie Hutchinson, Club Hurler of the Year in 2022, is again shortlisted for the overall award for his attacking displays of brilliance.
The high level of consistency and impact shown by Paddy Leavey and Stephen O’Keeffe secured their overall nomination.
The team was selected by a panel of Gaelic games correspondents from across print, radio, tv and digital media, and the awards were presented at a special function held at Croke Park on Friday, 13 March.
