5 exciting talents to watch in this year’s hurling championship
- Adam English (Limerick)
English isn’t exactly new on the scene, as he as been on the Limerick panel since 2022. Since becoming a regular starter in 2024, English has shown to be an exceptional hurler. He was even nominated for Young Hurler of the Year last year. Fresh off of UL’s Fitzgibbon Cup victory, the Doon man will be looking to continue his fine form into this year’s championship.
- Aidan O’Connor (Limerick)
This man is nearly a perfect hurler. I’m not sure if he has any flaws. If Limerick win the All Ireland this year, O’Connor will be central. The most recent winner of GAA.ie Hurler of the Week, he recently took apart the All Ireland champions’ defence in their own back yard, scoring 11 points, 6 from play. A Hurler of the Year contender already.
- Austin Gleeson (Waterford)
This one might seem a bit out of left field. One of the most enigmatic hurlers over the last decade is set to return to the Waterford panel after an injury-ridden couple of seasons. Reports have indicated that the Mount Sion man is close to a return to Peter Queally’s Déise side. It will be 10 years since he won both Hurler and Young Hurler of the Year this season. Hopefully Aussie still has a little more magic left in those hands.
- William Buckley (Cork)
The Rebel rookie has been on fire in his opening 3 games in the league this year, hitting 1-4 on his debut against Waterford. After Patrick Horgan’s retirement last winter, there is a space in that Cork forward line that Buckley will be eager to fill. New boss Ben O’Connor will be looking to Buckley to freshen up Cork’s attack.
- Aaron Niland (Galway)
Like his older brother Evan, the Clarinbridge sharpshooter will be looking to shoot the lights out for Galway this summer. Although this will only be Niland’s first year playing senior hurling for Galway, he has the talent to transform this Galway attack. Also like his older brother, he is a great free taker. So even though he’s young, being a great free taker will be an invaluable weapon to get himself into this Galway attack.
All 5 hurlers will be looking to have a sensational 2026. If you think we missed any exciting players, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of this article.
