John McGrath starred in a season of redemption for Tipperary hurlers

What a difference a year made for John McGrath.

Towards the end of 2024 he wasn't sure of his place on the Tipperary team, following a loss of form and a couple of injury-interrupted years.

However, the Loughmore/Castleiney player ended 2025 as the Hurler of the Year after playing a starring role in Tipperary’s All-Ireland triumph, one of the greatest of the modern era.

Another award recently came his way when he was chosen by the Tipperary United Sports Panel for an Annerville award.

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He may have only started one game in last year’s National League campaign but he really came into his own when the sod hardened, the days got longer and the championship began.

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John started all eight championship games, scoring goals in four of them. His incredible haul of 7-16 from play made him the championship's joint top scorer from play.

That included 1-2 against Kilkenny in the semi-final and he was again at his predatory best in the final against Cork, scoring 2-2, including those two superbly-taken goals, as a season of redemption for the county ended in a blaze of glory. 

The Tipperary amateur sports stars of the year will be presented with their Annerville awards at the Tipperary United Sports Panel's annual function, which will be held at the Talbot Hotel Clonmel next Saturday night, January 10.

Tickets for the event are available from Sports Panel treasurer Ken Conway, email conwayken@eircom.net