'A great honour': Two Offaly hurlers nominated for All-Star awards
Two Offaly hurlers have been nominated for All -Star awards in recognition of a season of progress in which Offaly reached the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
Ben Conneely (St Rynagh's Hurling Club) and Eoghan Cahill (Birr GAA) are the amongst the 45 players nominated for a PwC All-Star award. Kilkenny has received just one nomination this year.
Commenting on their nomination, Offaly GAA posted: “The two lads have had superb campaign for the Faithful throughout 2026. A great honour and a gala night out to look forward to in the RDS. Congratulations lads”.
Ben Conneely is one of Offaly's most experienced players and has been a defensive stalwart for club and county for many years.
He has consistently been one of the best Offaly hurlers of the modern generation. A dedicated St Rynagh’s man, he has been Offaly Hurler of the Year on a couple of occasions.
Eoghan Cahill is a scoring machine from Birr. He only got back onto team during championship versus Kilkenny when Adam Screeney was injured. He had a fantastic game in the unexpected draw with Kilkenny and was outstanding against Wexford and Kildare as well. He is a reliable free taker and comes up with scores from play as well.
Leinster champions and All-Ireland finalists Galway have a strong representation with 11 players included. There are eight counties featured, with Cork seven, Clare six, Dublin three and two each for Waterford and Offaly, and midfielder Cian Kenny the sole Kilkenny representative.
Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns said: “To be nominated for a PwC All-Star is recognition of the exceptional standards that players have reached in their pursuit of excellence. Each of those selected made a lasting impression on the hurling season... I know how much it will mean to your families and clubs, and I thank the GPA and PwC for their assistance in maintaining the great institution that is the All-Stars.”