EXCLUSIVE: 'It was a bit of a shock' - Kilkenny's Cian Kenny on Pwc All-Star nomination
Cian Kenny has received a Pwc All-Star nomination for a third year in succession
Kilkenny midfielder Cian Kenny admits he was caught by surprise when he discovered he had been nominated for a PwC All-Star for the third successive year.
The Cats midfielder is the county’s sole representative, starring in 2026 despite a disappointing year for Kilkenny which saw them exit the Leinster championship in the round-robin stages.
The Village man will be hoping it’s a case of third time lucky in 2026, having received nominations over the last two years, but claimed the nomination itself was a ‘nice feeling’.
“You would be surprised, I didn’t know when they (the nominations) were as it wasn’t in the head so I just opened Instagram and seen it, it was a bit of a shock,” Kenny exclusively told the Kilkenny People Sport.
“It doesn’t make up for last year. Last season was very disappointing and it will be stuck in my head, I’d rather be going up as an All Ireland champion,” he added, revealing an All-Star nomination never really crossed his mind.
“You wouldn’t be really thinking about an All-Star. All you’d be focused on during the year is the next match, next training or getting the gym work done and eating right so you’re so heavily focused on that. Awards would not come into it.”
Elsewhere, Limerick have 13 positions on the list of 45 PwC All-Star nominations announced.
In addition, their 2022 PwC GAA GPA Hurler of the Year Diarmaid Byrnes is shortlisted for the overall award – so too, teammate and 2020 Hurler of the Year, Gearóid Hegarty. They are joined by Cork sharpshooter Brian Hayes.
The Young Hurler of the Year award will also be chosen by the players themselves, and the shortlist features breakout stars from this summer: William Buckley (Cork), Jason Rabbitte (Galway) and Cillian Trayers (Galway).
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.
The All-Stars were first held in 1971. This year’s awards will be presented at a gala black-tie function held at Dublin’s RDS and shown live on RTÉ on Friday, October 30. The nominations were chosen by a panel of Gaelic games correspondents from across print, radio, tv and digital media, chaired by Mr Burns.
“To be nominated for a PwC All-Star is recognition of the exceptional standards that players have reached in their pursuit of excellence,” GAA President, Jarlath Burns said.
“Each of those selected made a lasting impression on the hurling season,” he added.