Dalton, Kavanagh and O’Neill among the surprises

IT’S between three for the goalkeeping position – Brendan Cummins, Donal Óg Cusack and Colm Callanan.

Cusack could have done better for Dan Shanahan’s goal in the Munster final against Waterford and might also have made the catch against Kilkenny despite Richie Power’s charge; Callanan was outstanding for Galway and comes close, but I’m going for the Tipperary man.

In the backs, a bit of a mix but Kilkenny still dominate. Tony Browne had a fine year for Waterford at right-half-back, but I have to go for Tommy Walsh here, and JJ Delaney on the other wing is also an automatic. The other Kilkenny man I’m going for might surprise a few people – not Jackie Tyrell, not Noel Hickey, but John Dalton, at right-corner-back. Every time I’ve seen his this year he’s been outstanding – I can see why he’s after pushing Michael Kavanagh, another man I’ve always had great time for, out of this corner.