Annerville award winner Noel McGrath will lead Tipperary hurlers this year

The performances of Noel McGrath, who will receive an Annerville sports award this weekend, were one of the few shining lights in what was a very disappointing and forgettable 2022 for Tipperary’s senior hurlers.

A mixed National Hurling League, in which the team failed to reach the semi-finals, was followed by a championship campaign during which the county finished bottom of the pile in Munster, losing all four games.

The round robin series began with a four-point defeat by Waterford at Walsh Park on an April day when Noel McGrath was Tipp’s individual best.

Hopes were high that the season could ignite in the crunch game against Clare but those hopes were dashed, as the team slipped to an eight-points defeat.

Ironically, despite another defeat, Tipp gave their best display of the season against All-Ireland champions Limerick, on a day when Noel McGrath was again outstanding.

Tipperary’s misery was complete when they were beaten by Cork in their final game. 

Despite the team finishing pointless at the foot of the table, Noel’s performances were good enough to earn him the county’s only All-Star nomination last year.

This year he will lead the team as captain, with Tipperary looking for an upturn in their fortunes under new manager Liam Cahill.

The Loughmore/Castleiney player and the other Annerville winners will receive their awards, which are sponsored by Bulmers, from the Tipperary United Sports Panel at a ceremony at the Talbot Hotel Clonmel tomorrow night, Saturday.