Maher has a year to remember

TOMORROW’S game will be key in determining this year’s All Star selection but right now I think these 15 players are in pole position.

Goalkeeper: Gary Maguire (Dublin) and David Herity (Kilkenny) have both had two very good years so far but I’m nominating Herity. He has taken over in Kilkenny this year and has really added to that defence, making a lot of very good saves. His puckouts are also top-class. He’s athletic and very cool so far.

Right-corner back: I’m going for Paul Curran of Tipperary here. I know he’s a full-back but he has proved himself across this line, and he’s too good to leave out. Apologies to Paul Murphy (Kilkenny) and Niall Corcoran (Dublin), who was outstanding in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Full-back: A man who has really impressed me this year in this position, and I know it’s not his regular slot, is Dublin’s Peter Kelly. He has pace and hurling, isn’t afraid to attack the ball and did an outstanding job for Dublin after Tomás Brady got injured.

Left-corner back: I’m going for Michael Cahill of Tipperary, I think he’s improving with every year. Noel Connors of Waterford is unlucky here, another outstanding defender.

Right-half back: The one and only Tommy Walsh, one of the finest defenders I’ve ever seen. The Tullaroan dynamo is back from injury and playing as well as ever.

Centre-back: Conor O’Mahony (Tipperary), Joey Boland (Dublin) and Brian Hogan (Tipperary) are my contenders here, all big influences on their teams. But I think Hogan has made the biggest difference of all. He was sorely missed from last year’s Kilkenny team in the All-Ireland final, a huge presence for them so far this year.

Left-half back: A man I’d consider the Hurler of the Year so far, Padraic Maher (Tipperary). A giant of a man, a giant of a player, inspirational on the field and on the terraces, now an attacking threat as well. Shane Durkin (Dublin) was closest to him.

Midfield: Liam Rushe (Dublin) and Michael Fennelly (Kilkenny), and what a partnership they’d make! Kevin Moran (Waterford) was very good in this position when he played there, as was Donal O’Grady (Limerick).

Right-half forward: Noel McGrath of Tipperary is my man here, and for one simple reason — when his team needs him, he’s the man to stand up, and did so especially in the second half of the semi-final against Dublin. His skill level is unbelievable. Michael Rice had too many injuries to win out.

Centre-forward: Conal Keaney gets the nod here, was a massive loss to Dublin in the semi-final with his injury. Young Declan Hannon had a good year but he’s a bit young yet. Ryan O’Dwyer was a great worker for Dublin here but he did most of his damage that one day at full-forward.

Left-half forward: Henry Shefflin. He has come back so well from his second cruciate injury and proven yet again how crucial he is to Kilkenny. The workrate is still there, as are all the skills. Pauric Mahony (Waterford) was a fine debutant this year in this position.

Right-corner forward: One of the greatest forwards of the last 10 years, John Mullane (Waterford). Another outstanding season for John, even in the new position of centre-forward occasionally.

Full-forward: Lar Corbett (Tipperary).What can I say about Lar? Goals, goals and more goals; his hat-trick in the All-Ireland final last year was special, but he has kept the run of form going this term.

Left-corner forward: A new man here this year, and that’s Paul Ryan (Dublin). Got a lot of massive scores for his county this year and showed great nerve.

Picture: STAR MAN: Dublin’s Conal Keaney gets the nod at centre-forward.