Who is the greatest hurler currently in the game? It's hard to say - ranking the ten best hurlers in the land this year is even harder. But with the round robins beginning in Munster and Leinster on Sunday, we figured it was a good opportunity to try to rank the ten best hurlers in the country. These rankings are based largely in 2024 form, but pedigree has been included as well.
10. Tony Kelly (Clare)
Despite not playing any league time this season, how can you leave out TK? He’s Brian Lohan’s talisman, and perhaps the time off will do him wonders. If he returns to form, then he will rocket up this list, especially if he can match his 5-33 from last year. Kelly will be wearing the #26 jersey on Sunday in Ennis and will certainly have a big say in how the game is decided
9. Conor Whelan (Galway)
If Henry Shefflin wants to end his trophy drought, he will look upon his Kinvara captain to fire the Tribesmen to glory. After recharging his batteries over Christmas while on his return journey, the sharpshooter will beat the 7-18 he scored in last year's Championship.
Conor Whelan converts from a tight angle to extend the lead for @Galway_GAA. pic.twitter.com/5NxcQDC85y
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 18, 2022
8. Eoin Cody (Kilkenny)
The two-time Young Hurler of the Year is a goal machine and looks like a man on a mission to end his inter-county all-Ireland drought. It's pretty mad that he hasn’t won the top prize at the inter-county level or any other age grade. If he can match last season's 5-21, he will make it two All-Stars in a row.
9 nóim, #LIMvKIK @LimerickCLG 1-02 @KilkennyCLG 1-01
'Isteach sa líontán ag Eoin Cody!'⚡️
Sharpshhoter Eoin Cody buries this effort into the bottom corner!
BEO/LIVETG4 AR @TG4TV 📺 #AllianzLeagues #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/0JpjzycuHA— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 23, 2024
7. William O’Donoghue (Limerick)
The green machine is a human freak of nature, a monster in the ruck ball that can play in the middle of centre-back if needed and is cool, calm, and composed on the ball. It’s surprising how he only has two All-Stars considering his importance to Limerick.
6. Diarmuid Byrnes (Limerick)
The former Hurler of the Year has been steady as a rock since winning the top prize in 2022. The master dead-ball striker will be in contention for his fourth All-Star in a row at the end of 2024
5. TJ Reid (Kilkenny)
If this were the Greatest Of All Time Debate, Reid would be right near the top, but based on the current form, it shows that the 36-year-old can be included in the best hurlers of 2024. Leave him in the square and watch the damage unfold.
30 nóim, #LIMvKIK @LimerickCLG 1-05 @KilkennyCLG 3-05
'Báite san eangach ag Tj Reid!' 😤
A wonderful goal from Kilkenny after a brilliant turnover on Cian Lynch out the field!
BEO/LIVETG4 AR @TG4TV 📺 #AllianzLeagues #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/ON62fJrChO— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 23, 2024
4. Kyle Hayes (Limerick)
Fully available for the 2024 Championship, Hayes will be wearing that #7 jersey against Clare in Ennis on Sunday . With speed, skill, and strength, the attacking wingback has it all. There'll be added scrutiny on him this year, and it'll be interesting to see how he fares. A rare talent.
🤔 What was your favourite score of the hurling year?
😍 Kyle Hayes's solo goal in the Munster final was special.pic.twitter.com/xFb9ENvUjt— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 23, 2021
3. Cian Lynch (Limerick)
If Cian Lynch can stay injury-free, then he's the best hurler in Ireland. It's as simple as that. He has shown glimmers of his best this league, especially against Tipperary. Perhaps the real question is, can he stay fit?
This is an absolutely outrageous piece of skill from Cian Lynch 🤯pic.twitter.com/I6Qw43pTUO
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) February 23, 2020
2. David Fitzgerald (Clare)
The Inagh-Kilnamona man was the best player in the League with 2-19 scored before the final. He has been unstoppable. Should Clare detail the Drive For Five, he'll certainly be in hurler of the year conversation.
65 nóim, #CLAvCOR @GaaClare 1-22 @OfficialCorkGAA 2-14
Deis iontach ag Séadhna Morey!
Séadhna Morey with an all important goal for the Banner to surely secure the victory!
BEO/LIVETG4 AR @TG4TV 📺 #AllianzLeagues #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/b1qOkgLgck— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 4, 2024
1. Aaron Gillane (Limerick)
The Current Hurler of the Year is perhaps the greatest inside forward in the modern game and has to be top of the pile if he can improve his three championship goals from last year (he probably won't, as Limerick do love the 30 points). He will win Hurler of the Year two years in a row, simple as that.
Aaron Gillane doing Aaron Gillane things🤩
How did he even catch it?
Video courtesy of @StreamsportI, showing Kilmallock and Doon live tomorrow evening! pic.twitter.com/psUNkgzrBy— Jack Neville (@JackNev30) August 4, 2023
Honourable mentions: Shane O'Donnell, John Conlon, Adam Hogan, Patrick Horgan, Donal Burke, Dessie Hutchinsion, Adrian Mullens, Sean Finn, Eoin Murphy, Nickie Quaid, Cathal O'Neill, Tom Morrisey, Gearoid Hegarty, Paddy Deegan, Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Dan Morrisey, Darragh O'Donovan
