Best Hurlers of all time: Ultimate VX 2000-2020

We’ve already compiled our list of the best football XV of the past two decades, so now it’s time to compile our list of the best hurlers of all time: 2010-2020.

It was an era dominated by Brian Cody’s relentless Kilkenny, who captured 11 Liam McCarthy Cups in that time. The Cats produced some of the game’s greatest players in that era too.

While Tipperary (4), Cork (2), Limerick (2), Clare and Galway all enjoyed their days in the sun in the 20 odd years as well.

Trying to pick a top 15 players was every bit as difficult, if not more, than the footballers and we know some will be disappointed and aggrieved with our decisions!

It’s a game of opinions after all.

So here goes.

Best Hurlers of all Time

1. Goalkeeper: Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny)

best hurlers of all time

There have been an emergence of some incredible goalkeepers over the past 20 years but Kilkenny’s Eoin Murphy comes out on top of the lot. He beats off still competition from the likes of Donal Óg Cusack, Anthony Nash and Nicky Quaid, Murphy raised the bar, particularly in the second half of the decade.

Four All-Irelands and 3 All Stars is a good showing too.

Full Back Line

best hurlers of all time

2. Right Corner Back: Paul Murphy (Kilkenny)

The army man won four All-Irelands and four All Stars in his first five incredible years with the Cats!

A former Hurler of the Year nominee, Murphy was an absolute all-rounded defender that could man-mark the best, dictate the skies and hassle and harry with the very best.

A shout out to Jackie Tyrell and Noel Connors too, but Murphy is a too strong.

3. Full Back: Daithi Burke (Galway)

Although he won only one All-Ireland title compared to his competitors for this position, Burke is undoubtedly one of the best full backs the game has seen.

A physical specimen, he was a key figure as Galway ended their wait for the Liam McCarthy in 2017 and won four consecutive All Stars between 2015 and 2018.

A dual star too with Corofin, Burke was tough, skilful and smart – a powerful trio.

4. Left Corner Back: JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)

There is fierce competitiveness in the full back line, especially from the Kilkenny boys, but Delaney was a nailed down starter and takes the last jersey.

One of the finest defenders to ever play the game, Delaney finished his illustrious career with nine All-Ireland titles and seven All Stars.

Although he played a lot of his career in the half back line too, he was versatile anywhere in the defence.

Half Back Line

best hurlers of all time

5. Right Wing Back: Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)

The man from Tullaroan was small in stature but huge in determination, desire and skill.

He had an affable ability to fly through the skies and pluck the sliotar before driving his team on and raising the roof of Croke Park. A player that was loved by all counties, not just his own.

Nine All-Ireland titles, nine All Stars and a former Hurler of the Year is as good an innings and you will find.

6. Centre Back: Padraic Maher (Tipperary)

Will go down as one of Tipperary’s greatest ever, the indestructible Maher earned six All Stars during his time with Tipp.

His accuracy from play, where he could set up attacks from deep inside his own half made him such a dangerous weapon.

Known and feared for his physical stature, Maher also had consistency and longevity during his three All-Ireland titles.

7. Left Wing Back: Austin Gleeson (Waterford)

The versatility of the Waterford ace is what has earned him a playmaking role in the half back line.

Gleeson can play in any position you want given his exceptionally high skill level, workrate and pace.
Doesn’t have the trophy cabinet to match some of the others on this team, his ability to create something magically out of nothing is something we couldn’t ignore.

Midfield

best hurlers of all time

8. David Burke (Galway)

Captain of their 2017 All-Ireland winning team, Burke was a player who product at least an 8/10 performance every single game.

The St Thomas clubman won four All Stars since breaking onto the scene in 2010 and is one of the finest long range shooters in the game.

A rock who will sit in, defend and do all the unfashionable stuff just as well as he can hit some of the best scores you will ever see.

9. Tony Kelly (Clare)

Kelly has managed to get the nod ahead of Kilkenny’s Michael Fennelly and that in itself says enough about how highly we rate him.

The Ballyea man won a Hurler of the Year and Young Hurley of the Year in the last decade and inspired the Banner win to a famous All-Ireland in 2013.

Kelly can and has won games on his own and has a long career of him yet.

Half Forward Line

10. Right Half Forward: Noel McGrath (Tipperary)

McGrath’s vision and passing accuracy was a joy to behold.

He overcame a battle with testicular cancer in 2015 and bounced back an even better player, proving pivotal around the middle of the field.

Young Hurler of the Year in 2009 as a corner-forward, McGrath was recently named captain for 2023.

11. Centre Half Forward: Joe Canning (Galway)

Galway’s greatest every hurler, Canning was so good he became universally known throughout the game as just ‘Joe’.

His talents and efforts for Galway warrant more than just the one All-Ireland, and no one will forget his winning point against Tipperary in 2017 was special, as was his ability to hit sideline cuts.

His older brother, Ollie, isn’t far off the pace for this team in the corner back role, but Joe was the real star in a talented family.

12. Left Half Forward: TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

Like Canning, Reid is so good he is only referred to by his first name such is his profile.

The Kilkenny ace and Ballyhale clubman is arguably the hurler of the 2010-2020 decade and is still showing no signs of slowing down.

TJ has hit 28-477 for Kilkenny and is one of the greatest forwards of all time with 7 Celtic Crosses and 6 All Stars and counting.

Full Forward Line

13. Right Corner Forward: Seamus Callanan (Tipperary)

Callinan was a colossal for Tipp’ since he burst onto the scene in 2009.

Almost unmarkable on his day, Callinan inspired his county to three All-Ireland titles, Callinan scored a goal in every championship game (8) in 2019 as Tipp’ won the Liam McCarthy.

Four times nominated for Hurler of the Year and once a winner, the Drom & Inch man will go down in Tipp’ hurling folklore.

14. Full Forward: Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)

King Henry is arguably the greatest of the great; widely considered to be the best every amongst his peers and former teammates and opponents.

The only player every to win Hurler of the Year on three occasions (’02, ’06 and ’12), his 11 All Stars and ten All-Ireland titles show his dominance across a long period of time.

Kilkenny’s all-time leading scorer with 27-484, Shefflin was and still is, one of the most naturally talented players to ever pick up a hurl.

15. Left Corner Forward: Patrick Horgan (Cork)

This decision was one of the most difficult on the team, particulatly given Patrick Horgan is nudging out players who have collected far more silverware.

However, that wasn’t part of the criteria to picking this team and that’s why we can’t ignore Horgan.

Deadly in front of goal and from the dead ball, Cork’s inability to win an All-Ireland wasn’t because of Horgan’s lack of efforts or talents.

The Glen man is a three time All Star and aging like a fine wine.

Honourable Mentions

Nicky Quaid (Limerick)

Richie Hogan (Kilkenny)

Brendan Maher (Tipperary)

Michael Fennelly (Kilkenny)

Noel Connors (Waterford)

Ben O’Connor (Cork)

John Mullane (Waterford)

Conclusion

Phew… we’re glad that’s over.

The standard was incredible and some of the decisions we made were not easy.

Have an opinion? Let us know.


Best GAA Grounds in Ireland

Ireland boasts some absolutely incredible GAA grounds.

From the Gaelic Grounds in New York to the amazing amphitheatre that is Croke Park; or from the hallowed turf of the once spectacular Casement Park down to the Kingdom of Killarney and its heartbeat, Fitzgerald stadium.

Not to mention the Home of Hurling or Ulster Final Day in St Tiernach’s Park.

Each ground has forged its own place in GAA history through unrivalled and unique atmospheres.

They are feared and loved in equal measure.

In this blog we’ll list some of our favourites.

If you stumbled on this blog and might be aware what the GAA is, check out this Blog.

Without further ado and in no particular order…

Best GAA Grounds in Ireland

Casement Park, Belfast

Capacity: 32,000

Although a ball hasn’t been kicked in Casement Park since Sunday, June 9 2013 after Monaghan beat Antrim 0-11 to 0-6 in the Ulster Championship, the ground’s memory is buried deep in GAA peoples’ hearts.

Right now, unfortunately, it is in a saddening state of disrepair after plans for an extension to transform it into the home of Ulster football was quashed in 2014 on the back of objections from local residents.

But that setback has only served to increase the legend of Casement Park and the simply unforgettable match-day atmosphere it served up.

Opened in 1953, the stadium has huge historic significance and hosted eight Ulster Finals. Known for its Sea of Saffron, it still serves as a reminder of what Belfast is missing.

However, in May of last year the legal challenge against the granting of planning permission for Casement Park was dismissed, leading the way for a huge transformation in 2023.

Semple Stadium, Tipperary

Capacity: 45000

The second largest GAA grounds in the country, Semple Stadium has established itself as the ‘Home of Hurling’ and the showpiece of provincial hurling, the Munster Final.

Situated in Thurles, down the street from where the GAA was founded in Hayes Hotel, it is steeped in history.

The atmosphere on Munster Final Day is stuff of legend and the immaculate pitch helps to serve up some absolutely ‘lovely hurling’.

 

Croke Park, Dublin

Capacity: 82000

Not only is Croke Park the best stadium in Ireland, it is also one of the greatest in Europe.

GAA HQ and host of the pinnacle of our national sports, the All-Ireland Final, it is a sight to behold when it is packed to the rafters.

gaa grounds

The pitch is carpet-like, while the surroundings of the stadium is vibrant and boisterous, there is nowhere like Croke Park.

That’s why it remains a dream for every young boy and girl to get the chance to play there.

St Tiernach’s Park, Monaghan

Capacity: 36000

The biggest ground in Ulster and the greatest Ulster Final atmosphere of them all.

The capacity is estimated between 29000-36000 but when the calendar reaches the Ulster Final day the sound would suggest the capacity is double that.

gaa grounds

Host of some of the best and most classic Ulster Championship matches in the past, Clones is a GAA circus on those days and we simply couldn’t leave it out of this list.

Fitzgerald Stadium, Kerry

Capacity: 38000

Killarney is one of the most beautiful towns in the country and Fitzgerald Stadium has produced some of the most beautiful football the game has ever seen.

The backdrop of the Kerry mountains is a real display of beauty while it also personifies the mountain in which opposing teams are going to have to climb to beat the home team there.

gaa grounds

Some of the greatest footballers the game has ever seen have honed their craft inside the gates of Fitzgerald Stadium.

And on the very, very few occasions when the football might disappoint, the town and after-match atmosphere rarely does!

Tuam Stadium, Galway

Capacity: 6700

A surprise inclusion on the list, but there’s something about visiting Tuam Stadium that makes it memorable.

Once with a capacity of 26000, the stadium has been reduced over time for health and safety reasons along with its general condition too.

But for people of a certain vintage, the old ground as served up some magical memories in the Connacht Championship. Right now it’s far from luxurious, but what’s rare is wonderful.

It has been boosted by news that development works is going to be carried out to revamp the ground to a modern-day facility.

Conclusion

For any more information on GAA grounds, why not check out this blog showing you How Long a GAA Pitch is.

Like some of the grounds you’ve just read, Intersport Elverys is steeped in GAA History too.

Make sure to let us know what you’re favourite GAA Grounds are and why.

gaa grounds


How long is a GAA pitch?

Football and hurling pitches are big, but did you ever wonder exactly how long a GAA pitch is?

Well, there’s no exact answer as most pitches vary in size but generally – and officially – the field of play has to be between 130m-145m long and 80m-90m wide.

In comparison to other field sports, the pitch in Croke Park is nearly twice the size of a conventional soccer pitch at 15,000m2 – covering 145m by 88m wide.

However, not all pitches are that size with most fluctuating between the regulations, often on a game-by-game basis too.

We’ll explain further down.

how long is a gaa pitch

How long is a GAA Pitch – the layout

The field of play, or pitch, should be rectangular and measure between 80 and 90 meters in width and 130 to 145 meters in length. For younger players, it can be lowered.

At 13 meters, 20 meters, and 45 meters from each end line, a set of lines are drawn across the pitch.

For hurling, a second marking is made at 65 meters.

On the sidelines, flags are used to denote these lines as well.

A 10 m long line that runs parallel to the end lines is also present in the centre of the pitch.

how long is a gaa pitch

Each goal has two rectangles delineated in front of it.

The larger one is 19m by 13m, while the smaller one measures 14m by 4.5m.

The 20-meter line is marked with a semicircle in the middle, and the area where substitutions must be performed is designated 5 meters on either side of the center line.

The entire ball must cross the perimeter line before it is deemed out of play because all lines are a part of the region they define.

The goal is 6.5 meters wide and 2.5 meters high, and the posts should rise at least 7 meters to form an H.

A big area if you are expected to get up and down for 70 minutes, as Mayo’s Mattie Ruane highlights in this blog about playing midfield. 

Are all GAA Pitches the same size?

No they are not and getting definitive answers can be difficult.

Often a pitch is perceived as being a ‘smaller pitch’ when in fact the official size would suggest different.

How it looks on the eye, the size of the sideline and its surroundings such as stands often influence how big or tight the pitch is perceived.

Plus, we all know instances of crafty managements and groundsmen tightening the pitch size to try and influence the opposing team or shut them down!

In terms of well-known county grounds, the ones in which claim to use the full space are Cusack Park, Ennis; MacCumhail Park, Donegal; Pearse Stadium, Galway; O’Connor Park, Offaly; Semple Stadium in Tipp; and Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon.

The tightest inter-county grounds include St Conleth’s Park, Kildare with measures only 135m x 80m.

But again, the layout of the ground often makes a pitch look bigger or smaller.

If the stands and terraces are closer to the pitch and the crowds are big, the atmosphere will make the pitch seem even smaller and condensed.

While a large empty stadium make a pitch look huge on TV, which is often the case with Croke Park which looks gigantic due to the camera positioning.

Want to know how long a GAA match is? This blog will tell you.

Conclusion

If you’d like to know more about the GAA, why not check out our blog about what the GAA means right HERE.

Intersport Elverys are huge GAA supporters and we stock the latest and best products from all counties.

Before go, Mayo GAA’s Eoghan McLaughlin shares some fascintating insight on how to play wing back in this blog. 

Or check out our full GAA Ranges below.

how long is a gaa pitch


What does GAA stand for?

Gaelic football and hurling are a religion in Ireland, but you’d be surprised with the amount of people that still ask what does the GAA stand for?

There is a lot of global interest in the organisation at the moment so many people outside of Ireland are beginning to become interested in our native sport and its governing body.

Here it is.

The GAA stands for the Gaelic Athletic Association of Ireland and it is Ireland’s largest sporting organisation. It remains and is widely celebrated as one of the great amateur sporting associations in the world.

It plays a huge and influential role in the Irish society and its impact extends way beyond the promotion of Gaelic games.

Below, we will explain more.

what does GAA stand for

When was the GAA founded?

It was established on November 1, 1884, at a gathering in Thurles, County Tipperary, by a group of intrepid Irishmen who had the wisdom to recognise the significance of creating a national organisation to make sports more accessible to the general public and to revive and nurture traditional, indigenous sports and pastimes.

Only the wealthy and aristocracy were primarily permitted to engage in real athletic participation at that period.

Up until that point, emigration, extreme poverty, and foreign influences had progressively eaten away at everything that made Ireland unique.

After that illustrious first gathering, GAA clubs sprang up all throughout Ireland within six months, and people started playing hurling and Gaelic football before competing against each other in tournaments and with pride.

You might find out Starterss Guide to Gaelic Football Positions Blog interesting?

Are GAA players paid?

Since its inception, the GAA has remained an amateur organisation.

Even at the highest level, players are not paid for their participation, and the GAA’s voluntary ethos continues to be one of its most crucial components.

The organisation is based on Ireland’s customary parishes and counties.

Since the GAA is a community-based organisation, it is frequently claimed that it is challenging to distinguish between the community and the club because they frequently overlap and are connected.

There are more than 2,200 GAA clubs spread across Ireland’s 32 counties.

Why not check out this blog on our Best GAA Players of all Time?

what does gaa stand for

What sports are in the GAA?

The Association GAA now collaborates with sister organisations, such as the LGFA and Camoige, to develop Ladies Football and Camogie in addition to Gaelic sports including Hurling, Football, Handball, and Rounders.

The Association also promotes Irish music, song and dance and the Irish language as an integral part of its objectives.

Check out the breakdown of the size of a GAA pitch in this blog. 

Conclusion

We absolutely love our GAA at Intersport Elverys and we know you do too.

As proud sponsors of Mayo GAA, as well as being Official Retail sponsors of Dublin GAA and Tipperary GAA, we have heritage and experience in the game.

So check out county-wide list of products and services below.

We’ve got all the new jerseys, training gear and accessories.

what does gaa stand for


Intersport Elverys Reveal the new Mayo GAA Home Jersey for the 2022/23 season

Mayo GAA Kit Launch 2022/23 – Press Release | Friday 30th September 9am.

INTERSPORT Elverys together with the Mayo GAA county boards and O’Neills officially unveiled the new home kit today at the home of Mayo GAA – Hastings Insurance MacHale Park. The new kit will be worn by Mayo GAA, Mayo LGFA, and Mayo Camogie teams from underage to senior level and for the first time each code is featured together in the launch campaign.

Intersport Elverys aims to help connect more people with sport. In GAA, our county teams represent pride and passion. It’s the dedication and commitment of players and supporters that is always inspiring others to grow our national games.

The new-look jersey returns to the bottle green that served Mayo football well between 2012 and 2018, while adding a silicone badge and three stripes to modernise the strip. It features a stripped-back, clean design that honours the traditional colours of green and red, while continuing to be one of the most recognisable jerseys for Irish people around the globe.

The jersey also includes the Portwest sponsor logo on the men’s and ladies football jerseys.

The home jersey is available to purchase from today at Intersport Elverys stores nationwide or online at Elverys.ie The jersey is also available for purchase at www.oneills.com. The LGFA, Camogie and Goalkeeper kits will be available for pre-order from today.

Seamus Touhy, Mayo GAA Chairman, said, We are grateful for the ongoing support of our title sponsor Intersport Elverys and look forward to the release of our new jersey which also features our commercial partners Portwest. Our partnership with Intersport Elverys has developed over many years and look forward to working with Intersport Elverys in the years to come.  Their support has been a key pillar in highly competitive performances of our Mayo teams.  Mayo’s loyal supporters have been instrumental over the years and Mayo GAA are sincerely indebted for this support as we look forward to the season ahead”

Philip Staunton, Head Teamsports Buyer Intersport Elverys, commented, “Intersport Elverys is delighted to be entering our 26th season supporting Mayo GAA. The journeys and adventures we’ve had with players and supporters since 1998 has been the greatest pleasure and we look forward to the latest chapter of our partnership. We take great pride being based in the beating heart of Mayo with our expanding Head Office in Castlebar and four stores county-wide that intertwine us with the local community and understand what Gaelic Games mean in Mayo. The responsibility of being the chosen destination for young footballers, hurlers, and camogie players to try on the Mayo shirt they aspire to wear at senior level is an honour for Intersport Elverys. We wish all teams well this coming season.”

 Mayo LGFA Chairperson Declan Kennedy, has said, “Once again Mayo LGFA are delighted to come together with Mayo GAA and Mayo Camoige to launch this jersey together with our title sponsor Intersport Elverys who have supported us over the past number of years. We are also boosted by the fact that Portwest are continuing their support of Mayo LGFA and will be featured on this new jersey. It is positive to have successful Mayo businesses backing Mayo LGFA both on and off the field while also working tirelessly to unite our supporters who are the foundation of our organisation. We’re thankful to all our supporters, including our generous sponsors, who are as passionate about the sport as we are. Here’s to 2023 in the Green and Red!”

Rosemary Smith, Mayo Camogie Chairperson, said “We are excited to enter 2023 our third year playing at adult level. We are extremely grateful for all the ongoing support from Mayo GAA along with Intersport Elverys and Portwest – both proud Mayo and global businesses. Camogie is a growing sport in Mayo, we have had great success this year and look forward to continuing to grow our sport and represent the red and green of Mayo with pride.”

From Portwest Rachel Davoren, Managing Director of Portwest Ireland, commented, ‘We are delighted to see the launch of the second iteration of the Mayo jersey with Portwest across the back. The partnership has been really positively received by our customers and colleagues alike and we look forward to continuing to work with Mayo GAA and Intersport Elverys on this. It has led to some great initiatives, such as our current Play for a Day Campaign which allows primary school children to be in with a chance to win a training session with Mayo GAA senior players. Community projects such as this one are why we got involved in the first place, as the GAA brings so much to the community within Mayo and Portwest are proud to help develop this alongside them.’

Enda Doherty, Marketing Manager from O’Neills, has said, “We’re proud to produce the Mayo jersey for the 2023 season. There is always a great demand for the Mayo jersey, and everyone is aware of the huge passion for Gaelic Games in the county and the Mayo diaspora across the world. We’re proud to produce a jersey that is eye-catching, which we know will be worn with pride by players and supporters alike, in an exciting time for the county.”

Photo caption:

30 September 2022; Tommy Conroy, Kathryn Sullivan, Keith Higgins, Padraig O’Hora pictured at McHale Park at the reveal of the new Mayo GAA 22/23 home kit. The jersey is available to purchase from Friday, September 30th from the official retail partner of Mayo GAA, Intersport Elverys. Purchase online at www.elverys.ie and in selected stores nationwide. The jersey is also available for purchase at www.oneills.com.

The Mayo GAA home jersey is now available at Intersport Elverys with the Mayo LGFA, Camogie & Goalkeeper jersey now available for Pre-Order.

Mayo GAA home kit 2022


How to put a Grip on a Hurley like a Pro

Learning how to put a grip on a hurley correctly is one of the most important parts of your preparation.

It’s a skill in itself because making sure your grip is secure, tight and feeling comfortable in your hand is crucial.

We have enlisted the help of Dublin Camóige star, Ciara Tierney to demonstrate how to do it correctly.

As Official Retail Partners of Dublin GAA, we love our GAA.

If you like GAA content, you might like our Best GAA Players of All Time blog. 

How to put a grip on a hurley

Step 1

Before using the new grip, remove the old one.

The hurley may slip in your hands while playing if the grip wears off over time from use. Peel the covering entirely off the grip by pulling one end of it away from the handle.

If the hurley feels sticky or looks to be dirty, clean it before adding the new grip tape.

With a cotton ball coated in alcohol, clean the ash.

Alternately, rub the hurley with a dampened towel that has been lightly soaped; then, using a fresh, damp washcloth or rag, remove the soap off the handle.

Step 2

Start by rolling out the tape or wrap and take ff the backing at the narrow end to reveal the sticky side of the grip.

Pull about half of the backing off first and make sure you start at the narrow/tapered end of the grip.

how to put a grip on a hurley

If you’re right handed, generally people will hold the tape in their right hand and the hurley in the opposite.

Some like to tuck the hurley underneath their left armpit for security or some will hold it vertically.

Step 3

With the tapered end, stick the grip about half way up the butt of the hurley and start to wrap the grip around the back or the top of the hurley towards the back of the butt with a little stretch in the grip.

Keeping a good stretch on the grip, you then want to overlap the point where you stuck it the hurley, before bringing it back around just below the top of the hurley.

Next circle you want to just slightly overlap the part where you started, making sure you keep a good stretch on the grip at all time.

how to put a grip on a hurley

Overlap around ¾ of the first layer as you work your way down the hurley.

The second turn overlap a half and gradually phase it out.

Step 4

Keeping a good stretch all the time on the grip, you want to barely overlap each layer of the grip as you circle it around the handle of the hurley.

The most important part here is to keep a good stretch on the grip and ensure you are barely meeting the grip already wrapped around.

how to put a grip on a hurley

Pull off the backing as you need to.

Step 5

When you have finished unwrapping the full grip on the hurley, get a little bit of insulation tape to the secure the end of the grip onto the hurley.

For a full-length grip, you will get comfort right up at the butt of the hurley thanks to the overlapping method.

Wrap the grip over the hurley handle as smoothly as you can; bumps or separations can interfere with your grip on the paddle and may impair your performance during a game.

Conclusion

Practice makes perfect in gripping your hurley.

So take your time and make sure it’s correct, because there is nothing worse than finding out it’s not when you’re in the middle of a match.

Check out our hurley grip range below.

how to put a grip on a hurley