GAA All Stars Hurler of the Year 2024

The 2022 Shortlist for Hurler of the Year

TJ Reid

Byrnes came on top of a shortlist that included one of the most talented hurlers ever seen in TJ Reid. His All-Star award in 2022 was his sixth time being named in the team of the year, after captaining his county to win the Leinster championship and reach the All-Ireland final. 

In 2015, Reid was named the Hurler of the Year, but, even at 34 years old, the Ballyhale Shamrocks man shows little sign of stopping. His 71 points total made him the top scorer in the 2022 Championship, as he continues to be the most deadly freetaker in the game. 

Outside of his prolific free-taking skills, Reid is still essential to Kilkenny's build-up play and is often the chief playmaker for his side. 

Barry Nash

It is unusual for one defender to be nominated for Hurler of the Year, never mind two, but it was the case when Barry Nash was nominated alongside Byrnes. A celebrated forward at underage level, Nash lined out in attack in two of Limerick U21 All-Ireland final wins. 

But since breaking into the Limerick senior side, the free-scoring forward has become a rock at the back for the Treaty County. In a team that plays in such a fluid manner, the South Liberties man still pops up with plenty of scores, but his first job is defending, and he is very good at it. 

The History of the Award

Who was the first recipient of the award?

Clare's Brian Lohan won the inaugural award in 1995. In the same year, the footballer of the year award was set up, with Tyrone's Peter Canavan winning the accolade. 

Who has won the most awards?

Since its establishment in 1995, only Henry Shefflin (2002,2006, 2012) and Cian Lynch (2018,2021) have won the award on two occasions. With three awards, Shefflin is the record holder, and he also holds the record for oldest winner at 33, when winning it in 2012. 

Who is the youngest winner?

Clare talisman Tony Kelly won the award at the tender age of 19 in 2013. Since then, Kelly has been shortlisted once more, in 2020. 

Future Winners

The youthful nature of Limerick's team suggests that they could continue to dominate the championship for the foreseeable future. 

Therefore, it is likely that hurlers of the years will come from the Treaty County. At 26 years old, Cian Lynch has lots of time to claim a third gong and match the feat of Henry Shefflin. But it may be the time of someone like Aaron Gillane, 26, who has been unlucky not to be shortlisted so far. You also wouldn't bet against 6'7" Kyle Hayes for winning the big in the near future. 

Outside of Limerick, Tony Kelly continues to perform at a very high level and would be the most likely recipient if Clare lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup once again. Already, Kelly is regarded as one of the finest hurlers of his generation. While a good place to start looking for future winners is the recipient of the Young Hurler of the Year, which in 2022 went to Kilkenny's Mikey Butler.