2014 HAS BEEN a break-through campaign for a number of youngsters and we’ve looked at those most likely to collect the Young Hurler of the Year prize at the end of the season.
Shane Dowling, full-forward (Limerick)
Dowling has experience beyond his years and he has been on the radar of the hurling public ever since his exploits for Ard Scoil Rís in their Harty Cup winning campaign back in 2010.
In the intervening years, Dowling has helped Na Piarsaigh to a couple of county titles and a provincial championship and made his name as a deadly accurate forward for Limerick.
After featuring mainly from the bench last year, the 21-year-old was undeniably Limerick’s star forward in 2014, bagging 4-29 as the Shannonsiders fell once again in the All-Ireland semi-finals.
Verdict: The most likely candidate at this point in time to claim the award but, crucially, his race is already run and rivals Alan Cadogan and Cathal Barrett both have at least one more game to impress.
Odds: 4/7
Alan Cadogan, corner-forward (Cork)
Cadogan has been one of the shining lights in Jimmy Barry Murphy’s side this year. He gave an excellent performance in a four point championship debut against Waterford and hasn’t looked back since.
The corner-forward is an absolute live-wire and has proven himself as a serious addition to a Cork side gunning for an All-Ireland this year. With two games potentially left to play, the younger brother of Eoin could capture this award if he takes well to the open expanses of Croke Park and continues his consistent scoring form.
Verdict: Cadogan is a great bet to win the award and looks to be the most likely winner provided he can deliver a couple of big performances between now and September.
Odds: 5/4
Cathal Barrett, corner-back (Tipperary)
Having just made his senior debut for Tipp back in February, Barrett’s lightening fast rise to prominence has seen him emerge as third-favourite to be named Young Hurler of the Year.
The Holycross-Ballycahill man has been an ever present in the Tipp defence since being introduced by Eamon O’Shea and has shown his pedigree with a series of fine displays.
Barrett has switched between wing-back and corner back this season, but he seems to have found his home in the full-back line where he is likely to be tasked with picking Alan Cadogan. Whoever comes out on top in that battle will go a long way to determining the destination of this award.
Verdict: To win this award, Barrett will need to make the All-Ireland final and really stand out in both games as it is notoriously more difficult for a defender to win an individual award. A long-shot.
Odds: 10/1
Conor McDonald, corner-forward (Wexford)
Wexford’s re-emergence as a major force in hurling is down in no small part to the injection of talented U21s into Liam Dunne’s squad.
Conor McDonald is the poster-boy for Wexford’s surge of underage talent. Despite the fact that Wexford were dumped out in the quarter-finals by Limerick, he is still the leading scorer in the championship from play with 5-10.
It’s hard to remember an 18-year-old that has caused this much excitement since Joe Canning burst onto the scene. McDonald is helped by the fact that Wexford U21s still have an All-Ireland title to play for which will keep him in the public consciousness.
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Verdict: Claiming Young Hurler of the Year is probably a step too far for McDonald, considering Wexford’s early elimination – unless he shoots the lights out en route to an U21 title.
Odds: 12/1
Liam Ryan, corner-back, Wexford
Another Wexford youngster to enjoy a break-out year was defender Liam Ryan. The Raparees corner-back helped his county to a back-to-back Leinster U21 titles and became a permanent feature in their defence at senior level as they enjoyed a thrilling qualifier run.
Verdict: Ryan is highly unlikely to be named the top young player in the country, but the 19-year-old certainly has time on his side.
Odds: (Not provided)
Don’t agree? Let us know who you reckon will be named Young Hurler of the Year.
