RICHIE HOGAN IS this year’s Hurler of the Year following an incredible 2014 season.
In the main event of tonight’s Allstar award ceremony in the Convention Centre Dublin Hogan backed up his favourites tag to pocket the award.
The diminutive midfielder’s work rate, ability to mop up loose ball, and quality in joining the attack with devastating effect, were central in a rejuvenated Kilkenny team this year.
Having won the Man of the Match award during this year’s drawn All-Ireland final with six points from midfield, and being named as the Sunday Game’s Player of the Year, Hogan has been a constant favourite for tonight’s award ahead of team mate TJ Reid and Tipp’s scoring machine Seamus Callanan.
The celebrations will be on hold as the Kilkenny club championship continues over the weekend. He’s not complaining though;
“The club is so important, you have to give it that full attention, but that’s expected of you at this time,” he explained after picking up the gong.
Meanwhile the Young Hurler of the Year has been announced as Tipperary’s corner-back Cathal Barrett.
Much like the football winner Ryan McHugh, Barrett failed in his quest for an Allstar but nonetheless the defender’s tigerish performances edged out Limerick’s Shane Dowling and Wexford’s Conor McDonald for this award.
Rotating between the half- and full-back line the Tipp man will be best remembered for holding Cork’s Pat Horgan scoreless from play for the first time in four years during this year’s semi final victory.
