TJ Reid (Kilkenny)
Enhanced his credentials yesterday with another stellar showing in the All-Ireland semi-final victory over Waterford.
On current form, appears to be the leading contender after scoring 3-25 in just three outings, averaging over 11 points per game.
Was in the mix along with Richie Hogan for last year’s individual accolade and could go one step better if he has another big game in the 6 September final.
Richie Hogan (Kilkenny)
The current holder cannot be ruled out of the reckoning after another display laced with sheer wizardry yesterday.
How Hogan even lined out is is a mystery in itself as the Danesfort dynamo carried a serious back injury into the game.
But after finding those pockets of space in which he loves to operate, again, Hogan scored five points from play to take his championship tally to 1-14.
John O’Dwyer (Tipperary)
‘Bubbles’ was Tipp’s best player during their march to Munster championship glory.
He scored seven superb points from play during Tipp’s semi-final victory over Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds before adding another five in the Waterford win.
O’Dwyer was at his best against Waterford when he went roving for possession in the second half, clipping over a couple of stunning long-range scores to help Tipp over the line.
Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)
Callanan was a leading contender for the 2014 Hurler of the Year award and is in the shake-up again.
Enjoyed a fine League campaign and opened up in the championship with a 2-5 haul in the Limerick match.
More subdued in the final victory over Waterford but still managed to score six points in a display where he sacrificed his attacking instincts in an underrated, hard-working display.
Joe Canning (Galway)
15-2 in the betting and many hurling fans West of the Shannon will fancy a flutter.
Canning was brilliant in the Dublin replay, again in the facile victory over Laois and scored that wonder goal in the Leinster final defeat to Kilkenny.
Off-target with numerous chances in the Cork game but on another day, could have finished with seven or eight points from play.
Pádraic Maher (Tipperary)
Tipp’s defensive bulwark was excellent in the Munster semi-final victory over Limerick.
He suffered a serious shoulder injury during the early minutes of the Waterford game but still managed 20 possessions during the game.
Now back to full fitness ahead of next Sunday’s semi-final, Tipp need their centre back fully fit in a potential match-up with Galway giant Johnny Glynn.
Cillian Buckley (Kilkenny)
Buckley has been immense for Kilkenny this summer, taking his game to the next level.
A supreme athlete, the Dicksboro clubman allies primary defensive duties with an ability to funnel up and down the left touchline.
He can pick off an occasional long-range score too and his distribution of the ball is exemplary.
Cathal Mannion (Galway)
The leading contender for the Young Hurler of the Year accolade could also feature in the shake-up for the bigger individual honour too.
Mannion has collected 3-15 in his five championship outings and really hit the headlines with that stunning hat-trick against Dublin.
His emergence, along with Jason Flynn, has taken some of the scoring burden off the shoulders of Joe Canning.
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Of course, we realise that this list won’t meet with universal approval so who have we omitted that should be included? And who will make a late charge for the Hurler of the Year award from left field? Leave your feedback in the comments section below…
