Diarmaid Byrnes the player of the year as Limerick dominate team selection

The Sunday Game have chosen Limerick's Diarmaid Byrnes as their Player of the Year, with the All-Ireland champions having eight players included in the team selection.

The free-scoring half-back has been there all season when things got tight, particularly in the All-Ireland semi-final victory over Galway.

Of the other counties represented, beaten finalists Kilkenny have three players, as do Clare, while Galway complete the line-up with one.

The Sunday Game Team of the Year

Nickie Quaid (Limerick)

Could do very little about the Kilkenny goals today and very nearly kept Billy Ryan's opener out. Ever accurate from his puckouts, with the Treaty men winning 68% this afternoon, and scoring 0-15 from that possession.

Calmness personified, comfortable on the ball.

Sean Finn (Limerick)

An automatic pick in John Kiely's all-conquering side, the Bruff man is a dogged defender. Outstanding in possession.

Huw Lawlor (Kilkenny)

Commanding full-back for Kilkenny who gave Aaron Gillane a good game in this afternoon's final.

Barry Nash (Limerick)

More progress made by Nash this year who is one of the best players of the modern era. Has revolutionised the position.

Diarmaid Byrnes (Limerick)

Unerring from long-distance frees, but also a brilliant defender, he contributed four from placed balls this afternoon as well as one from play.

He's brought the scoring half-back to another level.

Declan Hannon (Limerick)

A history maker today as the first man to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup as the captain of an All-Ireland winning side for a fourth time.

As well as his defensive duties the Adare man contributed long-range scores from play throughout the season.

Pádraic Mannion (Galway)

The sole Galwegian selected in a year when the Tribesmen lost the Leinster final, as