Stars spring a few surprises

Last night’s GAA-GPA Opel All Star hurling awards served up plenty of surprises with All-Ireland champions Kilkenny’s representation one less than runners-up Galway while Munster winners Tipperary had no player on the team.

For only the second time in the 42-year history of the awards, a team other than the Liam MacCarthy Cup winners received more awards as six of Anthony Cunningham’s side were honoured compared to the Cats’ five.

The only previous occasion of such an instance came in 1973 when runners-up Kilkenny had seven men among the 15, two more than champions Limerick.