All-Ireland MHC champions Waterford are heavily represented on the Electric Ireland minor hurling team of the year, with leading marksman Cormac Spain taking the top player award.

Waterford secured the title after a dominant performance against runners-up Clare. 

Ultimately, a stellar first-half showing propelled the Déise to their fourth title, as they defeated a talented Clare side in what will undoubtedly be remembered as a classic encounter.

Spain was instrumental in the Déise’s impressive campaign, delivering several outstanding scoring performances, most notably his 11-point contribution in the final against Clare, despite playing through a leg injury.

The two finalists represent 9 of the 15 spots on the team of the year, four for Clare and five for Waterford. Semi-finalists Cork also took four spots, with the other beaten semi-finalist, Kilkenny, having two representatives.

Team of the year: L Talty (St. Joseph’s Doora-Barefield, Clare); D Heavin (Russell Rovers, Cork), C Lynch (Geraldines, Waterford), D Keane (De La Salle, Waterford); M T Brosnan (Glen Rovers, Cork), D Kennedy (Ballyea, Clare), C Garde (Lisgoold, Cork); G Ball (St. Joseph’s Doora-Barefield, Clare), G O’Shea (St. Molleran’s, Waterford); S Power (De La Salle, Waterford), C Deane (Killeagh, Cork), J Mullen (Shamrocks Ballyhale, Kilkenny); C Spain (Ballygunner, Waterford), P Rodgers (Scariff, Clare), C Byrne (O’Loughlin Gaels, Kilkenny).