Now that the curtain has come down on the greatest hurling championship in living memory, it's time to take stock and choose our Team of the Year.

1. Anthony Nash (Cork)

While the concession of five goals on Saturday is a black mark against him, there's no getting away from the fact that Nash was the standout 'keeper in this year's championship. The Kanturk clubman produced a wonderful display of goalkeeping against Kilkenny in the All-Ireland quarter-final, and was also very good in the drawn All-Ireland final. But it's his prowess from dead-ball situations at the other end of the field that makes him different from the other number ones.

Best of the rest: Patrick Kelly (Clare)

2. Richie McCarthy (Limerick)

The full back brilliantly anchored the Limerick defence as the county claimed its first Munster SHC title in 17 years. The Blackrock player was man of the match in the wins over Tipperary and Cork, and was the GAA/GPA Player of the Month for June.

Best of the rest: Domhnall O'Donovan (Clare)

3. Shane O'Neill (Cork)

Like Nash, O'Neill won't have fond memories of the All-Ireland final replay, with his man Shane O'Donnell bagging 3-3, but the Bishopstown clubman had been imperious up until then and shouldn't be judged on one poor performance. Was Cork's best back this season.

Best of the rest: Peter Kelly (Dublin)

4. David McInerney (Clare)

Brian Lohan mark two, McInerney had a dream year on the edge of the Banner square which culminated in him winning All-Ireland senior and U21 medals. An excellent reader of the game, the Tulla youngster was on top in his duel with Luke O'Farrell on Saturday.

Best of the rest: Paul Schutte (Dublin)

5. Brendan Bugler (Clare)

The Whitegate man is in line to win his second All Star after a terrific season. His experience and leadership qualities were vital in Clare's All-Ireland success. Bugler made a tremendous block to deny Patrick Horgan a first half goal on Saturday and was also very influential in the final quarter when the game was in the melting pot.

Best of the rest: Paudie O'Brien (Limerick)

6. Liam Rushe (Dublin)

Rushe oozed class at the heart of the Dublin defence as the Metropolitans ended a 52-year wait for Leinster honours. The St. Pat's, Palmerstown clubman was lucky not to be sent off in the All-Ireland semi-final against Cork, but that shouldn't take away from his stellar performances throughout the season.

Best of the rest: Patrick Donnellan (Clare)

7. Kevin Moran (Waterford)

The Waterford captain and current All Star had another outstanding year. He was immense against Kilkenny in last July's epic All-Ireland qualifier, scoring two late points to send the game to extra-time. Would get his place on any team in the country.

Best of the rest: Conor Ryan (Clare)

8. Donal O'Grady (Limerick)

Along with Paul Browne, the Limerick captain forged a formidable midfield partnership. He provided outstanding leadership to his younger team-mates in a memorable year for the Treaty County. A worthy Munster medallist after many years of trying.

Best of the rest: Joey Boland (Dublin)

9. Colm Galvin (Clare)

The Clonlara youngster was a key figure in Clare's success. He's a manager's dream in that he covers every blade of grass and makes things happen for those around him. Another one of the Clare contingent to pocket All-Ireland senior and U21 medals in the past fortnight.

Best of the rest: Eoin Larkin (Kilkenny)

10. Conal Keaney (Dublin)

A close call this one, but in the end we went for Keaney over Seamus Harnedy, who had a very impressive debut season for Cork. The Ballyboden St. Enda's clubman is a lion-hearted player who contributed so much to Dublin's historic breakthrough this season.

Best of the rest: Seamus Harnedy (Cork)

11. Tony Kelly (Clare)

The Ballyea teenager is in pole position to scoop the Hurler of the Year award after another superb display in which he posted three points at the weekend. It speaks volumes for Kelly's character that he was able to come back so strongly from a bad day at the office against Cork in the Munster SHC semi-final. A class act who was equally as effective at midfield this year.

Best of the rest: Richie Power (Kilkenny)

12. Danny Sutcliffe (Dublin)

Dublin's Mr Consistency had a storming season which was decorated by great goals against Kilkenny and Galway in the Leinster SHC. There are not too many players who get the better of Tommy Walsh, but Sutcliffe is one of them.

Best of the rest: Colin Ryan (Clare)

13. Podge Collins (Clare)

The Cratloe pocket-rocket didn't have the best of games last Saturday, but he still had a year to remember. A one-man show in Clare's Munster SHC semi-final defeat to Cork, he flourished in the wide open spaces of Croke Park and scored arguably the point of the championship in the second half of the drawn All-Ireland final.

Best of the rest: Conor Lehane (Cork)

14. Patrick Horgan (Cork)

Another who didn't play to his potential in the All-Ireland final replay, the Glen Rovers sharpshooter nevertheless had a terrific year that saw him consistency rack up big scores. Controversially sent off in the Munster final, he bounced back with a man of the match display against Kilkenny and would be a strong contender for Hurler of the Year if his late point in the drawn All-Ireland final had proven to be the winner.

Best of the rest: Shane O'Donnell (Clare)

15. Conor McGrath (Clare)

Last year's All-Ireland U21 winning captain was magnificent for the Banner. He was a nightmare for opposing defences all season, showing great work-rate and getting on the ball a lot. His brilliant late solo goal on Saturday went a long way towards breaking Cork's spirit.

Best of the rest: Paul Ryan (Dublin) Tweet

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