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This is a list of all the past winners of the official GAA GPA All Stars Awards in hurling since the first awards in 1971. As an insight to the prominent players of the 1960s, it also includes the unofficial "Cuchulainn" awards presented from 1963 to 1967 under the auspices of Gaelic Weekly magazine.
Since 1971, the All Ordinaries Awards in hurling have been presented annually to a set of fifteen hurlers from that year's All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, who are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year". The shortlist is compiled by a selection committee steering group, while the overall winners are chosen by inter-county players themselves. The All Star is regarded by players as the highest individual award available to them, due to it being picked by their peers.
Limerick hold the record for most All-Star winners in one year with 12 players chosen in the hurling selection for 2021.[1]
"For his dependability. His unobtrusive but completely effective work in defence has always been the great quality of his hurling, particularly so this year."
FB
Pat Hartigan
Limerick
1
"For his contribution as one of the mainstays of Limerick's resurgence in 1971. At full back he showed unyielding stubbornness under the heaviest of pressure."
LCB
Jim Treacy
Kilkenny
1
"For maintaining his position as the outstanding left corner back in the country, for his sportsmanship and calm play in every situation."
"For captaining Tipperary in their recapture of the All-Ireland championship. His qualities of leadership and great-hearted spirit were repeatedly in evidence throughout the season."
CB
Mick Roche
Tipperary
1
"For his memorable performances as one of the hurling perfectionists of his era, his true brilliance comes to the surface when the competition is at its hottest."
LWB
Martin Coogan
Kilkenny
1
"For bringing his judgement and experience out of retirement in 1971. His steadying influence was a major reason for the return of the Leinster title to Kilkenny."
"For his considerable role in recapturing the Leinster title for Kilkenny and Cork championship for Blackrock. All the promise of his early hurling years blossomed in 1971."
RWF
Francis Loughnane
Tipperary
1
"For his quick incisive forward play. His scoring ability was one of the factors enabling his County to become All-Ireland champions in 1971."
CF
Michael 'Babs' Keating
Tipperary
1
"For his exemplary performance in recovering his County team place and then becoming the inspiration of his team's many fine achievements during the year."
LWF
Eddie Keher
Kilkenny
1
"For his consummate artistry, the poise and grace he brings to his chosen sport. For a decade his play has delighted thousands of lovers of the game."
RCF
Mick Bermingham
Dublin
1
"For his stalwart contribution to the Dublin attack during the season. His skill, earnestness and unflagging enthusiasm made him the country's leading scorer in 1971."
"For introducing a new degree of subtlety into full-forward play. His perfect coordination and the wide variety of his attacking play continually setting up scores."
"For his speed, elusiveness and powerful shot which unite to make him one of the most successful score-getters of modern times. His effectiveness was strikingly emphasised during 1971."
1972[]
Pos.
Player
Team
Appearances
Rationale
GK
Noel Skehan
Kilkenny
1
"For loyalty and devotion to his native county: for truly magnificent goalkeeping as he led Kilkenny to their 18th Championship."
"For his rare bravery and mobility: for the all-round splender of his contribution to Limerick's much-delayed return to championship honours."
RWB
Colm Doran
Wexford
1
"For his alertness and sense of judgement, for the crispness of his stroke which played such a sizeable part in regaining the National League title for his county."
"For the fervour he brings to all facets of hurling, and particularly for his dedicated half-back play which contributed so much to Limerick's 1973 successes."
"For his artistic stick-work which he has demonstrated with increasing regularity, and for establishing himself as one of the most elegant and energetic midfielders of recent times."
MD
Richie Bennis
Limerick
1
"For the level-headedness he has so frequently shown in the tightest of situations and for his exceptionally high rate of scoring."
RWF
Francis Loughnane
Tipperary
3
"For his incisive intelligent running which so often splits opposing defences: for the remarkable consistency and accuracy of his marksmanship."
CF
Pat Delaney
Kilkenny
2
"For highlighting just how vigorous play can be totally fair, particularly during his famous attacks towards the opposing goal."