Diarmaid Byrnes named Munster Senior Hurler of the Year

After being named the Hurler of the Year at the All-Star awards, the Patrickswell man has added the Munster equivalent to his collection.

Diarmaid Byrnes has been named the Munster GAA Hurler of the Year for 2022 after helping Limerick to a four in a row in the province.

Byrnes hit over 0-25 in their five game run to the title, five of those coming from play. The Patrickswell native kicked off his campaign with six against Cork before plundering the same amount against Waterford the following week. His largest tally came against Clare in round four where he finished as Limerick’s top scorer with 0-9 on he day.

He added a free in the epic Munster final to claim a fourth successive provincial success. Byrnes went on to break the record for most points scored by a defender in the championhsip as he finished the season with 0-36.

That saw him rewarded with the Hurler of the Year award and a third consecutive All-Star. He follows club mate Cian Lynch who was named Munster Hurler of the Year for 2020.

Patrickswell defender Diarmaid Byrnes was once again instrumental as Limerick secured Provincial and National titles. The wing-back was the long free-taking expert for Limerick, and his aerial prowess was vital as Limerick made it four-in-a-row in Munster. The majority of his nine points against Clare in Ennis, in round four, were from his own half, while his distributions to forwards were key against the same opposition, as Limerick claimed a 23rd Munster title three weeks later.

There was a five point haul in the All-Ireland Final, where a trademark effort from play, late in the day, helped see off a stern Kilkenny side. A powerful runner with the sliotar, Byrnes enjoyed his best season in the Limerick jersey, since his Senior debut in 2016. Treaty’s three-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles have seen Byrnes as an ever present, and his role was recognised with a third All-Star as well as the Hurler of the Year accolade. He joins 2020 winner, Cian Lynch in returning the Munster Senior Hurler of the Year award to Patrickswell.

Munster GAA

Elsewhere, Tipperary’s Tom Delaney was named Minor hurler of the year with Cork’s Brian Hayes winning the football equivalent. Doireann Murphy of Clare was named Camogie Player of the Year while Ballygunner were selected as the club of the year.

2022 Munster GAA Awards

Minor Hurling Player of the year – Tom Delaney (Tipperary)

Minor Football Player of the year – Bryan Hayes (Cork)

Camogie Player of the Year – Doireann Murphy (Clare)

Club of the Year – Ballygunner (Waterford)

Senior Hurler of the Year – Diarmaid Byrnes