Here we rank the top 5 midfielders in hurling.
These five men are at the very top of their games and will no doubt put all their talents on display when inter county hurling returns in October.
Noel McGrath (Tipperary)
Awarded man of the match for his performance in the All Ireland, 2019 was arguably the Loughmore – Castleiney man’s best year in a Tipperary jersey.
The move to midfield by Liam Sheedy has proven to be a masterstroke by the Tipperary boss, with biggest surprise of 2019 the fact that McGrath was overlooked for a Hurler of the Year nomination.
The 29 year old appears to be getting better with age and in this new position for the senior team seemingly bringing the best out of him, Tipp fans will hope for many more performances like the one they got in the 2019 All Ireland.
There is literally no hurler in Ireland with better vision than Noel McGrath
Takes out all of Laois with one pass
Some touch from Callanan. Class by Tipppic.twitter.com/zXmNF6g6Ym
— GAA JOE (@GAA__JOE) July 14, 2019
Cian Lynch (Limerick)
The 2018 hurler of the year is one of the most stylish hurlers to ever grace the game.
But behind the style there is definitely substance with the Patrickswell man’s work rate an often under appreciated part of his overall skill set.
The 24 year old is a magician in possession, with his ability to carry the ball from his midfield position pretty much unrivaled in the game, while he is more than capable of pitching in with important scores for his team.
Jamie Barron (Waterford)
A two time All-Star, Barron has often been the highlight in a struggling Waterford side over the last couple of years.
A bundle of energy in midfield with a fair helping of class to go with it, Barron has managed to maintain his excellent form even if his team’s performances in the Championship have slipped.
Since reaching the All Ireland final in 2017 Waterford have had three senior hurling managers, with fans of the Deise hoping current manager Liam Cahill can be the man to inspire them once more after a couple of quiet Championships by their standards.
Fundamental to Waterford will be the performances of the fleet-footed The Nire club man.
Jamie Barron gets a classy point for @WaterfordGAA pic.twitter.com/8triBiA3af
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 8, 2019
Diarmuid O’ Keefe (Wexford)
O’ Keefe is a driving force from midfield in Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford team that are making great strides under the Clare legend.
The 28 year old picked up his first All-Star for his form in 2019, as he put on a midfield masterclass for much of the season.
The St Anne’s clubman is full if running for his team and is a nightmare for opposition midfielders, because he never seems to stop.
Diarmuid O’Keeffe seals it for @OfficialWexGAA. pic.twitter.com/KrmleqHyXJ
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 16, 2020
David Burke (Galway)
If Galway want to right the wrongs of their disastrous 2019 Championship then the 2017 All Ireland winning captain is going to be instrumental for Shane O’ Neill’s team.
An inspirational figure in Galway, Burke is capable of sublime moments on a pitch, and is well worth his place on this list of the top 5 midfielders in hurling.
Whether that’s coming up with a massive score for his team, or clearing a ball from his own defence, the St Thomas’ man is someone Galway are going to need to play at the highest level if they are going to get back into the All Ireland equation, when the Championship begins.
