The PwC All-Star hurling team has been announced and as is tradition the debate has commenced across the country. When it comes to Clare's Ger Loughnane, the outspoken pundit has taken issue with the number of Tipperary defenders selected in the side.
All-Ireland champions Tipperary dominated the selection with seven players but for the Clare man, it was the wrong call.
In his Irish Daily Star column, Loughnane cited the Munster final showing as well as the number of scores conceded in the All-Ireland semi-final as marks against the Premier County rearguard.
“It’s very strange that Tipperary would get seven All-Stars considering their 12-point hammering in the Munster final by then All-Ireland champions Limerick,” he said.
“Now, what makes it even more staggering is that five of the seven defensive positions are from Tipperary – even though that was the weak link in their team. They conceded 2-26 to Limerick in the provincial final and they conceded 3-20 to Wexford in the All-Ireland semi-final."
He went on to add it could have been more: "Tipp were riddled for 50 minutes – until Wexford tired and pulled up with cramp – and they end up with five of the seven defensive positions!"
This is a topic former Kilkenny hurler Richie Power touched on as well. Speaking on the Balls.ie PwC All-Stars Debate Show, he did explain there is a difference between individual awards and a collective system.
You are looking at four defenders from Tipperary. Look at it from the other side, in the semi-final they conceded three goals. Could have conceded another two. Opened up fairly bad in the Munster final against Limerick. As individuals definitely they are deserving, but collectively as a whole...
Speaking on the same show, Brendan Bugler focused on a different aspect of the defensive selection. As far as he was concerned, Wexford's number six Matthew O'Hanlon should be selected.
"To me, the standout centre back was Matthew O'Hanlon. If you look at the games he played, the role he was given and the man-marking job he was given, he was given a job on opposition pivotal players.
"Look at Conal Keaney, Johnny Glynn, TJ Reid twice and Jason Forde. I thought his consistency throughout the year was brilliant."
The chosen 15 will be honoured at an Awards ceremony in Dublin tonight where the football team will also be announced.
