O’CONNOR: HE’D ONE KELL OF A YEAR
Jamesie reckons Tony is a cert for an All-star and is heartened by the nods for Clare but feels Quilligan will have to wait his turn
CLARE great Jamesie O’connor reckons Hurler of the Year contender Tony Kelly is a ‘lock’ for another All-star.
But the two-time All-ireland winner fears goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan will have to bide his time for his first award.
The Banner received four nominations in all, despite bowing out of the Championship in the All-ireland quarter-finals.
They almost suffered a disastrous qualifier exit at the hands of Laois but scraped past them by a point and then beat Wexford.
Kelly was their standout player throughout with 1-53 overall, while defender Rory Hayes and Cathal Malone in the forwards also gained recognition.
O’connor told Clare FM: “Obviously Tony has been nominated for Hurler of the Year as well, he’s a lock to get an Allstar given the form that he showed in the Championship.
“I think it’s just rewards, particularly for Cathal Malone, he was really honest and consistently gave everything for the cause. And it’s great for the two new kids on the block, Rory Hayes and Eibhear.”
But 1997 Hurler of the Year O’connor believes Quilligan won’t beat Nickie Quaid and Stephen O’keeffe to a goalkeeping All-star.
Four-time All-star O’connor said: “Eibhear in goals had some really good moments. It’s not an easy position to play in the modern game, there’s huge responsibility on your shoulders.
“I thought some of his distribution was excellent and certainly his shot stopping was first class.
“I don’t think he’s going to get the All-star given the way Nickie Quaid and Stephen O’keeffe played, and obviously in more high-profile matches, but Eibhear had a really good year and I’m delighted for him.”
Boss Brian Lohan should have John Conlon and Colm Galvin back from injury for 2021 too.
O’connor said: “That’ll be a massive boost, they’re two hugely experienced players.
“They’re All-stars, All-ireland medallists, and it’s just what they give in terms of leadership on the field and in the dressingroom. We certainly need those guys to be able to compete with Limerick at the level they’re operating at.
“News that both of those guys are on the way back is great news for Brian and a great boost for the squad.
“Hopefully more of the younger players will put their hands up and work hard over the coming months to get themselves to the strength levels and conditioning levels required to compete where the top counties are at.”