Kyle Hayes was named the Sunday Game Hurler of the Year by the show's panel following the Limerick's All-Ireland hurling final victory over Kilkenny.
However, Donal Óg Cusack felt it the award should have gone to Hayes's teammate Aaron Gillane.
"I think it's the wrong call," said Cusack.
"I think Aaron Gillane was the Hurler of the Year. He was phenomenal in the Munster final. He was outstanding in the All-Ireland semi-final.
"Today, he got two points from play, three from frees but one of those frees, he won himself. That's not a bad return.
"I would argue that along with Nickie Quaid, they are the two most important players to the way Limerick play the game."
23 July 2023; Tom Phelan of Kilkenny is tackled by Kyle Hayes and Darragh O'Donovan of Limerick during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship final match between Kilkenny and Limerick at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Jackie Tyrrell explained why he chose Hayes.
"When I think of Hurlers of the Year, I think of the most consistent, dominant player of the year all the way through," said Tyrrell.
"I think of Kyle Hayes through the Munster round robin and how outstanding he was in big key games, even to go back to the Waterford game when they needed things to turn, he was the man.
"I think Aaron Gillane today... Huw Lawlor was shortlisted for Man of the Match for a reason. He didn't win that duel today, Kyle Hayes won his duel every day for the whole year. Dominant player. Dominant position. An actual attacking weapon that Limerick use from half-back. That's Kyle Hayes in a nutshell, and for me he is the Hurler of the Year for those reasons."
Shane Dowling said that Kilkenny fullback Huw Lawlor was the other contender.
The Sunday Game Hurler of The Year is Limerick wing-back Kyle Hayes. Here's why.#rtegaa #sundaygame pic.twitter.com/Ms8iUz5doH
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) July 23, 2023
See Also: Sunday Game Panel Name Hurling Team Of The Year
