Limerick's famine is over. A 45-year wait, brought to an end in extraordinary circumstances as double-seeking Galway were beaten by a point in Croke Park. A game of mixed quality still produced a phenomenal finish to see of a hurling championship for the ages in style.
With Sunday's final comes the tenth and final round of the Rolling All-Stars. Ever since the first Championship weekend, each slot has been filled by the best player from that week. This was done to combat the issue of one good semi-final/final showing deciding the vote.
After 56 games and 1,549 points, here is the final round of the Rolling All-Stars.
1.Eoin Murphy
The sole Kilkenny representative to make the team. That individual performance against Limerick will live long in the memory but Murphy's entire campaign was superb. The Sunday Game's three nominated saves of the year were all Murphy efforts.
Look, Eoin Murphy is winning save of the year, but you decide which Eoin Murphy save wins. Winner to be discussed from 9.30pm on @RTE2. Place your vote below pic.twitter.com/7U7FAp6OJZ
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 19, 2018
2. Colm Spillane (out) – Sean Finn (in)
Spillane had the most success of any inside back when paired against John Conlon this year but a poor semi-final combined with Finn's efforts against a monstrous Galway inside forward line ensures the Bruff man gets the nod.
Saying it all year Sean Finn has been immense,small,5ft 10and nothing stopping him,such a brain and brilliant when clearing a ball,in the breeding like the dad, delighted for him today —#underrated
— Niall McGrath (@Goalienumber1) August 19, 2018
3. Daithi Burke
All year long, Burke has given an exhibition in full-back play. Despite the immense pressure Galway were under, he put the shackles on Aaron Gillane yesterday after strong performances against John Conlon and Walter Walshe already this year.
4. Richie English
The youngster enjoyed a superb season under John Kiely, topped off on Sunday as he got the better of Conor Cooney.
5. Padraic Mannion
It was a disappointing finish but what a season for the 25-year-old who was magnificent from beginning to end. He kicked it off with a Man of the Match performance against Kilkenny in Pearse Stadium and would become accustomed to collecting that accolade as he shone in the Leinster Final and All-Ireland semi-final as well. A strong contender for hurler of the year.
6. Declan Hannon
In the last round, we mentioned the fascinating battle ahead for Hannon that would determine his place in the team. Faced off against one of the game's all-time greats, Hannon more than held his own versus Joe Canning and even landed two points of his own in the first half. Limerick's captain and leader by example all summer long.
7. Chris Crummey (out) – Dan Morrissey (in)
Crummey played in four games. Of those four, he was Man of the Match against Kilkenny and nominated against Wexford and Galway. In a relegation decider, he scored 0-4 against Offaly.
However, Dan Morrissey also won a Man of the Match award against Kilkenny, was superb in the All-Ireland semi-final and after yesterday's showing just shades it over Crummey. Speaking to Balls.ie, former All-Ireland winner Daithí Regan singled the 25-year-old out for his willingness to storm into collisions and compete.
8. Darragh Fitzgibbon
The Charleville club man has been given a more free-roaming role at times operating in the half-forward line but has been fantastic. Could still win an All-Ireland medal with the Cork U21s.
9. Cian Lynch
A year after collecting a U21 All-Ireland medal, Lynch has done the very same at senior. Remarkable season.
10. Peter Duggan
2018 was the year Peter Duggan truly announced himself on the national stage. His free-taking was a huge asset for Clare but more importantly, Duggan's in-game contribution expanded until he was their primary puck-out target. After a Hurling Championship full of spectacular moments and stunning skill, his individual score against Galway stands out as a particular highlight.
Peter Duggan with a lovely skilful point. pic.twitter.com/gOME4yoYJU
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 28, 2018
11. Joe Canning
Galway threatened to bow out with a whimper until Canning stood tall and took them within a point of Limerick. His consistency of performance this year has been fantastic.
12. Tom Morrissey
1-10 in his last two games. The goal embodied his entire year, relentless workrate and a skilled finish.
GOAL! Great goal by Limerick's Tom Morrissey! pic.twitter.com/p7MqymhENY
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 19, 2018
13. Aaron Gillane (out) – Graeme Mulcahy (in)
Henry Shefflin told an anecdote on RTE yesterday. Two years ago he met a 26-year-old Graeme Mulcahy who was concerned he would be discarded as Limerick began to look to the future. This year he scored 0-4 v Tipperary, 0-2 v Cork, a goal against Waterford, 1-1 v Carlow, 0-3 v Kilkenny, 0-4 v Cork and topped it off with a goal and two points against Galway in an All-Ireland final. His all-around contribution- tackling and the up-field press- were crucial in Limerick's success.
Gillane needed a good final to secure his spot, particularly given his red card and subsequent suspension earlier this summer.
14. John Conlon
His best year in a Clare jersey.
15. Conor Whelan
An off-day yesterday and yet his goal almost snatched Galway the most unlikely of victories. A stunning 3-18 from play this year from the inside forward and like Mulcahy set the tempo for his team throughout the year with his work-rate and tackling.
