Tipperary's 13 All-Star nominations nod overshadowed by stunning double snub of key players

Tipperary’s All-Ireland winning campaign has been rewarded with 13 nominations for the 2025 PwC All-Stars, but debate has followed the announcement with two notable absentees from the list.

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While the Premier County unsurprisingly leads the way in the nominations after reclaiming the Liam MacCarthy Cup in July, the omissions of Conor Stakelum and Sam O’Farrell from the shortlist have caused surprise among supporters.

The Tipp contingent named by the selectors spans every line of the field. Rhys Shelly is among the goalkeeping nominees, with Eoghan Connolly, Ronan Maher, Robert Doyle, Michael Breen, Bryan O’Mara, and Craig Morgan all recognised in defence.

Willie Connors is the sole midfield nominee, while forwards Jake Morris, Andrew Ormond, Darragh McCarthy, Jason Forde, and John McGrath complete a formidable group. McGrath and Morris are also in the running for Hurler of the Year, while McCarthy and Doyle are shortlisted for Young Hurler.

It leaves Stakelum and O’Farrell as the only members of the All-Ireland final starting fifteen not included. Stakelum was a central figure throughout the campaign, lining out in midfield and delivering strong performances against Kilkenny in the semi-final, which was followed by a highly rated showing in the decider.

O’Farrell, meanwhile, made his breakthrough season at senior level after captaining Tipperary’s U20s to All-Ireland glory earlier in the year. His energy and direct play were features of Tipp’s forward line, and he was rewarded with a starting place on the biggest day of all.

For O’Farrell in particular, youth is on his side, and the experience of a first senior season capped with an All-Ireland medal may yet prove the springboard for individual honours in years to come.

The final All-Star team of 15 will be announced at the awards ceremony in Dublin on November 7, with Tipperary guaranteed to be heavily represented.

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