Limerick’s lucky thirteen lead hurling nominations
Limerick players dominate the latest hurling awards shortlist with a record thirteen spots. Major individual honours await as the gala event approaches in Dublin.
Limerick’s resurgence on the national stage is vividly captured in the 2026 PwC All-Stars nominations, where the champions claim a remarkable thirteen places out of the total forty-five selected. Following their triumphant run to the Liam MacCarthy Cup, Munster and League titles, the county’s influence is undeniable, with Diarmaid Byrnes and Gearóid Hegarty both shortlisted for the prestigious Hurler of the Year award alongside Cork’s Brian Hayes.
Galway provides the strongest challenge with eleven nominees, while Cork, Clare, Dublin, Waterford, Offaly and Kilkenny also feature prominently in the expanded list. The Young Hurler of the Year category highlights emerging talent, with William Buckley, Jason Rabbitte and Cillian Trayers named as the breakout stars of the summer season. Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns praised the exceptional standards displayed by all nominees, emphasising the lasting impression they made on the championship.
The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, 30 October, at a black-tie gala in Dublin’s RDS, broadcast live on RTÉ. Nominations were selected by a panel of Gaelic games correspondents chaired by Jarlath Burns, with the final winners to be determined by the players themselves. This marks the 55th edition of the prestigious event, which has celebrated excellence in hurling since its inception in 1971.