Winning the Liam McCarthy cup is seen as the pinnacle of hurling,it’s most prestigious competition.10 counties have won it,some more than others and some not at all.Here we have picked out five current inter county hurlers who haven’t managed to win the Liam McCarthy,but their performances and service to their counties over the years were definitely worthy of a Celtic Cross.
5.Shane Dooley
Son of Offaly legend Joe Dooley who won All-irelands for the faithful county,Shane has been representing his county since 2007 and while Offaly haven’t enjoyed much success in that time Dooley always gave a good account of himself regardless of the result.A deadly free-taker equally as capable from play he is Offaly’s all time top scorer in the championship.Now 34 the Tullamore club man is still battling away with Offaly in the Christy Ring.
4. Neil Mcmanus
The heartbeat of hurling in Antrim since he was 19,Widely known as one of the most skilful players in the country.If he had been born in Kilkenny or Tipperary he would have a bag full of All-ireland medals an All-stars.Now 33 years of age he battled his way back from a hamstring injury to help the saffron’s back to hurlings top tier after a win over Kerry in the Joe McDonagh cup final.He’s showing no signs of slowing down yet.
3.Conal Keaney
This man has won an All-ireland medal but with the big ball.He has switched between playing hurling and football throughout his career for the dubs,He did manage to win a Leinster and a National league with the hurlers but they last lifted Liam McCarthy in 1938.A strong physical player who could play in a variety of positions,Keaney made a substitute appearance this year as Dublin lost to Cork in the Qualifiers at 38 years of age the Kilmacud Crokes man is still going strong.
2.Kevin Moran
This man symbolises what Waterford are all about pure passion,heart and determination for the jersey,Moran made his debut for the deise on 2006 and has been an ever present since.One of the most versatile and hard working players in the modern game you know he will empty the tank for you everyday he goes out.He won two Munster titles one National League and one All-star but Waterford have came up short in recent All-ireland finals to Galway and Limerick.He is 33 now but Waterford are looking promising under Liam Cahill,It would be fitting for him to cap a wonderful career by lifting the Liam McCarthy cup.
1.Patrick Horgan
The former Hurler of the Year nominee is Cork’s all-time leading scorer in championship hurling, overtaking the title from the legendary Christy Ring in 2017. Horgan is often touted as one of the best forwards in the game presently with his coolness and skill saving the Rebel County on many occasions.
The Cork captain made his senior debut in 2008 and since then he has collected four Munster medals and four All-Star awards.The last decade was the first in history in which Cork did not win an All-Ireland medal but the Glen Rovers man definitely deserves one as much as anyone.
