Fourth All Star gong for Paul Murphy as Kilkenny rule again

There will be a sense in Kilkenny that order has been restored after they claimed the largest share of this year’s GAA-GPA Opel hurling All Stars with seven accolades.

Unlike last year, when All-Ireland runners-up Tipperary trumped them by one in the individual stakes and 2012 when Galway were honoured with two more than the All-Ireland winning Cats, they are best represented in the team with Galway next in line collecting four All Starss.

At 26, corner-back Paul Murphy is the most decorated player in the 15, winning his fourth All Star, his second in succession. Also picking up their second in a row from Brian Cody’s side are Cillian Buckley and hurler of the year nominees Richie Hogan and TJ Reid. Michael Fennelly claims his third award, his first since his hurler of the year-winning season of 2011.