1.
2. Paul Maher (Thurles Sarsfields) A man who was the go-to guy for man marking the danger man of the opposition team all year. Maher had some great games, none more so than his job on John McGrath in the final. As solid a defender as there is in the club game in Tipperary.
2.
3. Denis Maher (Thurles Sarsfields) There are few teams who have a player with the versatility and dependability of Denis Maher in their team. There were a few questions as to the wisdom of taking him from the forwards, where he has done real damage in recent years for Sarsfields, but he was easily the best number three in the county this year. He was not taking for a run around in any game, and his touch and solid hands were impressive in tight situations all year. Well deserved.
3.
4. Dan Ryan (Roscrea) Many will be surprised by the inclusion of the Roscrea man, but he had to make it into the team somewhere, so you'll forgive me for my use of a positional licence. Ryan was the engine that almost took Roscrea to a semi-final, with his fitness and running ability key for Roscrea in a more than impressive first year back in the senior ranks. A consistent performer in big games for Roscrea, he was their player of the year in my opinion.
4.
5. Alan Flynn (Kiladangan) Flynn captained his side to their second county success and played a captains role all year. He started and played much of the year at midfield which curtailed him slightly, but his move to the half back line when the hurling got to Semple Stadium was key for Kiladangan. There aren't many better half-backs in Tipperary at club level and he showed it when the chips were down. Whether it was key tackles, blocks, frees, or scores from play, Flynn produced plenty of the needful.