The hurling leagues have reached their business end ... who were the stand-out performers this weekend?

1. Pa Kelly (Clare)

Kelly's brave block off a Niall Burke shot in the 64th minute at Ennis proved to be vital as Clare nicked a draw against visitors Galway.

2. Fergal Moore (Galway)

A calming influence in the Tribesmen's rearguard, Moore and his defensive colleagues stood up well to the considerable threat posed by the Banner County's attacking unit.

3. Conor O'Mahony (Tipperary)

Dublin full-forward Colm Cronin won't recall marking O'Mahony with any great fondness, the Premier County's number three produced a commanding display.

4. Tom Condon (Limerick)

Limerick's Mr Consistency put in another impressive shift as the Shannonsiders got the better of Laois and he showed his forwards how it is done when sending over two points.

5. Paul Flanagan (Clare)

Flanagan and Clare were forced to dig deep against a determined Galway side but they came good in the end to claim a share of the spoils.

6. Jackie Tyrell (Kilkenny)

Adapted to life in the centre of the half-back line with the minimum of fuss and held Waterford's Pauric O'Mahony scoreless from open play.

7. Daithi Burke (Galway)

Was involved in the build-up to Cathal Mannion's penalty claim in the 44th minute and, overall, was one of the stand out men for Anthony Cunningham's side.

8. Richie Hogan (Kilkenny)

The impressive Hogan sent over three points from midfield as Kilkenny steamrolled neighbours Waterford into submission at Nowlan Park.

9. Colm Galvin (Clare)

Galvin was the pick of the four midfielders on view as the Banner and Galway played out an entertaining draw in Ennis.

10. Walter Walsh (Kilkenny)

Walsh continued his promising early season form with another industrious shift and put his name to three points against the Deise.

11. Pat Horgan (Cork)

Jimmy Barry-Murphy may not be overly happy with his Cork team's displays so far their year but Horgan - who hit 1-10 against Wexford - is flying.

12. Noel McGrath (Tipperary)

With their backs against the wall, Tipperary secured a morale boosting win against Dublin and McGrath's finger prints were all over their three point success.

13. Mikey Lee (Wicklow)

It's not often that a player from the lower leagues makes our final cut but Lee's amazing personal haul of 2-14 against Fingal in Division 2B merits his inclusion.

14. Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)

Full-forward Callanan stood up and was counted for the Premier County and his 0-11 were critical to their win.

15. Stephen Quirke (Offaly)

The Faithful County forward will be hoping he can repeat his 2-5 contribution when they renew acquaintances with Antrim in the relegation play-off next weekend. Tweet

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