Six Clare minor hurlers named on Team of the Year

Eoghan Gunning has been named Electric Ireland Minor Hurler of the Year with six Clare hurlers named in the Minor Hurling Team of the Year.
Clare produced a memorable run to lift the Irish Press Cup as they became the first side from the county to win both the provincial and All Ireland titles in the same season.
Gunning and James Hegarty have been named on the Team of the Year once more after receiving the same honour in 2022 when Clare progressed through to the All Ireland semi final stage.
A cornerstone of Clare’s run to glory has been their defensive solidity. Four of the Banner rearguard have been named in the team.
Eoghan Gunning, Ronan Keane, Matthew O’Halloran and James Hegarty all received the nod.
Michael Collins and Marc O’Brien have been included in the team off the back of their consistent displays this season.
Gunning was named Hurler of the Year after a string of top quality performances as he displayed his leadership skills as captain. The Broadford man was named Man of the Match in the All Ireland final as he did a sterling job against Galway dangerman Aaron Niland.
Hegarty received the same honour after Clare’s All Ireland semi final triumph over Kilkenny. The Inagh-Kilnamona man missed Clare’s opening Munster Championship game before he made the centre back position his own.
Although Ronan Keane was forced to depart the field prematurely against Galway, he produced tigerish displays throughout his side’s memorable run to All Ireland glory.
Sixmilebridge’s Matthew O’Halloran has proven to be a player who can line out in different positions. He was moved to full-back after Keane’s injury in the All-Ireland final and showed he was adept at the edge of his own square.
Michael Collins kickstarted Clare’s year with a wonderful solo goal against Tipperary as Clare exacted a measure of revenge for defeat to the Premier County in the 2022 Munster final. He scored six points, all from play in the Munster semi-final win over Limerick. The Clonlara man stood up with three points in the All Ireland final.
Cratloe’s Marc O’Brien is the sixth Clare man to be named on the Team of the Year. He finished as Clare’s top scorer in the All Ireland final with 0-7 and was the second highest scorer in the Championship.