DJ in line for record ninth award

Kilkenny's league and championship double sees them dominate the Vodafone hurling All Star nominations for 2002. Eleven of the team that beat Clare in September's All-Ireland final feature on the list.

Despite the skill and attacking flourishes that distinguished their season, it is in the defensive categories that the champions stand out. In fact, JJ Mullally must be considered unfortunate to be the only member of the Kilkenny defence not to gain a nomination.

Mullally's case was not helped by a particularly strong season for wing backs, with Mark Foley, Paul Kelly and Gerry Quinn all featuring. However, it should be noted that, like Mullally, all these players operated on the left wing.

There is no surprise in Henry Shefflin being listed among the forwards along with Martin Comerford, a revelation at full forward in his first season. There will be few arguments either at DJ Carey's inclusion, despite playing just two games for his county. The Gowran legend is now in line for his ninth All Star award, which would equal the record set by Kerry's Pat Spillane in the football category. Andy Comerford, captain and older brother of Martin, also receives a nomination at midfield.

Tipperary's uneven season means last year's hurler of the year, Tommy Dunne, has not made this year's short-list. The Toomevara man struggled with injury and fatigue in the months following Tipperary's All-Ireland success and only rediscovered his game in flashes. His disappointment will be tempered by the emergence of his brother Benny as a contender in the forwards.

Waterford's historic Munster championship winning season has been handsomely recognised by eight All Star nominations, two more than All-Ireland finalists Clare.

Although named most Sundays at midfield, Peter Queally's efforts at right-half back have been noted and he is included alongside Fergal Hartley and Tom Feeney in the defensive category.

Tony Browne, the 1998 hurler of the year, is among the six players vying for the two centrefield spots.

Ken McGrath drew the superlatives throughout the Munster championship and leads the claims of Waterford's attacking contenders, including Eoin Kelly, the prolific Paul Flynn and John Mullane.

Disillusioned as Cork were after their flat championship exit against Galway, there were a number of individually excellent displays. Wayne Sherlock moved from right-half back to the corner with minimal fuss and was Cork's best player that afternoon. Joe Deane and Ben O'Connor, bright lights in the Leesiders' attack, are also in contention with Sherlock.

Galway, beaten finalists last year, found themselves abruptly ejected from the championship by Clare and hence their All Star stock diminishes. Kevin Broderick is, however, in the running for a second consecutive All Star nomination. Richie Murray's impressive development as a midfielder has been noted and despite Galway's collective worries, Ollie Canning's excellent corner-back play was not affected. He also got an All Star award last year.

Limerick and Wexford have three nominations each. Damien Fitzhenry, brilliant in the last two All-Ireland championships, features on a goalkeeping short-list that is notable for the absence of Tipperary's Brendan Cummins, the pre-eminent goalkeeper in recent seasons. However, the quality has not been diminished, with Clare's Davy Fitzgerald and James McGarry making it a tough call.

After pushing champions Tipperary to the wire in a pulsating All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park, Antrim will possibly feel under-served by having just one nominee, forward Brian McFall. Kieran Herron was squeezed out from a strong defensive list, while Liam Watson, who stung Tipperary for 1-6 in that match, may also feel slighted. However, competition for the attacking slots is also ferocious.

Nicky Horan's scoring feats for Meath in the Leinster championship earn him a nomination, a welcome addition to a roll call generally dominated by the traditional G8 of the hurling landscape.

As usual, the Young Player of the Year candidates also feature prominently in the hurling nominations. Those chosen were Eoin Kelly (Tipperary), Eoin Kelly (Waterford), JJ Delaney (Kilkenny) and Richie Murray. Limerick's Peter Lawlor is the only young player candidate not in the running for an All Star.