2007 Hurler of the Year Dan Shanahan thinks that Waterford will pick up four All Stars on Saturday night.
It could be a special occasion for Déise top scorer Stephen Bennett as the Ballysaggart ace looks set to collect his first award. "He has been outstanding. He became a leader when Pauric Mahony got injured. He went on the frees, he is a nine out of ten man on the frees. To me, it was his discipline. He has really improved his discipline on the field. It's easy to rise Stephen sometimes when he's not going well but he was outstanding for Waterford this year. When Waterford were in trouble against Kilkenny, that goal really turned the tide. He definitely deserves his first All Star and please god there's plenty more to come. He was excellent for Waterford this year in every game he played."
Stephen O'Keeffe gets his vote for the number one jersey. "I've always said it, for me he is the best goalkeeper in Ireland and he has proven it over and over again. I really hope that he gets his second All Star because he deserves it. He is a leader at the back, he is a like a quarterback, he shouts at the backs and he sees everything. He gets the nod for me over Nickie Quaid."
Tadhg De Burca was an automatic at number six. "He can do anything. He can mark, he can cover, he can read the game, he has a fantastic hand and a fantastic attitude." Shanahan selected Jamie Barron at midfield. "He's the engine of the team, he drives Waterford forward."
Limerick lead the way with eight players. All Ireland final man of the match Gearoid Hegarty is his choice for Hurler of the Year. "My heart says Stephen Bennett but I think Hegarty is going to get it. His display in the All Ireland final was unbelievable. He has been consistent from day one. He just gets the nod over Stephen Bennett. It would be great to have another Hurler of the Year from West Waterford. My heart is going for Stephen but my head is saying Gearoid Hegarty."
Dan Shanahan's 2020 All Stars
1. Stephen O'Keeffe (Waterford)
2. Sean Finn (Limerick)
3. Dan Morrissey (Limerick)
4. Daithi Burke (Galway)
5. Diarmaid Byrnes (Limerick)
6. Tadhg De Burca (Waterford)
7. Kyle Hayes (Limerick)
8. William O'Donoghue (Limerick)
9. Jamie Barron (Waterford)
10. Gearoid Hegarty (Limerick)
11. Tony Kelly (Clare)
12. Tom Morrissey (Limerick)
13. Stephen Bennett (Waterford)
14. TJ Reid (Kilkenny)
15. Aaron Gillane (Limerick)
Listen back to the full interview with Dan Shanahan from Friday's Lár Na Páirce.
https://www.spreaker.com/user/wlrfm/danshanahan2020allstars
