With the All-Ireland senior hurling championship less than two weeks away, the anticipation of who will be the three teams that will come out of Munster will be the question on every fan's lips.
However, before we look ahead to the big action, it's still worth highlighting some of the standout performers from the League. Not surprisingly, this team is full of Clare players, as the Banner roared to a first League win since 2016 last Saturday.
Here are 15 players who impressed in the league campaign.
1. Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny)
With cat-like reflexes and laser eye puck-outs, it’s just a typical day in the office as the 2023 All-Star carries on his fine form.
2. Conor Leen (Clare)
The corner-back has given Brian Lohan a good headache for the upcoming championship after stellar performances throughout the league
3. Conor Cleary (Clare)
6 April 2024; Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns, left, and Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA Tom Ryan, right, look on as the Clare captain Conor Cleary lifts the trophy after the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 final match between Clare and Kilkenny at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
A rock with the heart of a lion Cleary has been in flying form in 2024 as forwards are finding it hard to get change out of him. He became the first Clareman to lift the league trophy in eight years last weekend.
4. Craig Morgan (Tipperary)
It seems the Kilruane MacDonagh’s man has gotten over his injury nightmare 2023 season to cement down a starting spot ahead of the Munster championship
5. David Blanchfield (Kilkenny)
10 February 2024; David Blanchfield of Kilkenny in action against Patrick Horgan of Cork during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A match between Cork and Kilkenny at SuperValu Páirc Ui Chaoimh in Cork. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Blanchfield has all the attributes for a modern wing-back speed, strength, power, and lung-bursting shoulder runs from deep.
6. Cathal O’Neill (Limerick)
Mister versatile the youngster has been John Kiley’s standout man of the league, either from centre-back or wing-back.
7. Diarmuid Ryan (Clare)
Ryan has continued on his 2023 form into this season and has put in some magnificent performances for the Banner throughout the league especially against Cork and Tipperary
8. David Fitzgerald (Clare)
6 April 2024; David Fitzgerald of Clare celebrates scoring the second goal of the game during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 final match between Clare and Kilkenny at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Hurler of the league by a country mile, the Inagh-Killnamoa man has been on fire throughout the league 1-3 in the semi-final proved how dangerous Clare can be./
9. Darragh Lohan (Clare)
Brian Lohan's nephew has made a strong case to be in the starting 15 with consistence performances across wing-back and midfield
SEE ALSO: Shane O'Donnell Discusses What Makes Brian Lohan Such An Effective Clare Manager
10. Adrian Mullen (Kilkenny)
The Ballyhale man has been a key player for club and county for the last few years. It seems the break in the club championship has done him wonders. He has been a man possessed at times, with his best performance coming against Offaly.
11. David Williams (Westmeath)
9 March 2024; David Williams of Westmeath during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group B match between Westmeath and Antrim at TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar, Westmeath. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The top scorer of the group phase with 2-44 was a key player for Joe Fortunes's side, as they had a competitive league campaign as they hope to win the Joe McDonagh
12. Eoin Cody (Kilkenny)
The two-time young hurler of the year is similar to his club/county teammate Mullen, with the break doing him wonders. The 2-19 scored so far proves that.
13. Donnach O Dalaigh (Limerick)
The Monaleen man gave Kiley plenty to think about ahead of the championship to be included in the starting 15, scoring 3-16 in some incredible performances.
14. Seamus Casey (Wexford)
16 March 2024; Séamus Casey of Wexford during the Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group A match between Wexford and Cork at Chadwicks Wexford Park in Wexford. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
He was a dangerous man throughout the Wexford campaign, scoring 3-26 throughout as Keith Rossiter's side hope to improve on last season’s nightmare campaign
15. Jake Morris (Tipperary)
He didn’t have his finest hour, getting sent off in the league semi-final, but Morris has been in lethal form, banging in the goals for the Premier County. 5-12 from play is serious shooting from the Nenagh man.
