Cian O’Sullivan Joins Elite Dublin All-Star Hurlers Club Proud Achievement Yet to Sink In
Cian O’Sullivan’s recent recognition as the first All-Star hurling player from Dublin in over a decade has come as a surprise. The 27-year-old was named wing forward on the 2025 All-Star team, an achievement that remains surreal for him. He received a flood of congratulatory messages early Thursday after the announcement, coinciding with his mother’s birthday, and he has planned a family celebration that weekend for both his parents.
Cian O’Sullivan’s Scoring Success
O’Sullivan concluded the 2025 championship as the joint highest scorer from open play, amassing a total of 5 goals and 22 points (37 points), tying with Tipperary’s John McGrath, who scored 7 goals and 16 points (37 points) during the same period.
A Historic Achievement for Dublin Hurling
- O’Sullivan becomes Dublin’s eighth All-Star hurling player.
- He is the first Dublin player to receive this honor since 2013.
- Dublin’s previous All-Star winners include Liam Rushe, Danny Sutcliffe, Peter Kelly, and others.
“Watching the 2013 All Stars as a kid made this moment even more special,” O’Sullivan said. “I never imagined achieving such an accolade.” He acknowledged that individual awards are not the primary goal for athletes, but he appreciates the recognition.
Proud Moment for St Brigid’s Club
His club, St Brigid’s, also celebrates this milestone. O’Sullivan is the first hurling player from the club to receive an All-Star honor and only their second overall, with Barry Cahill winning in football back in 2007. The club has played a significant role in O’Sullivan’s life since he started there at age four.
O’Sullivan’s success is bolstered by a strong support system from former teammates and coaches across various clubs, who reached out to congratulate him.
Overcoming Injuries on the Path to Success
O’Sullivan’s journey to this achievement has not been without challenges. He faced significant injuries, including two hamstring surgeries. After his second surgery in June 2024, he focused on returning to form, hoping to regain his place in the team. “Recovering from such an injury altered my perspective on the game,” he reflected.
This season, he needed to reestablish himself after previous setbacks and ultimately thrived. His scoring performance throughout the championship included:
| Opponent | Score |
|---|---|
| Wexford | 0-3 |
| Antrim | 1-3 |
| Kilkenny | 1-5 |
| Galway | 0-3 |
| Kildare | 0-2 |
| Limerick | 1-1 |
| Cork | 2-5 |
Looking Ahead to Future Goals
As O’Sullivan reflects on his journey, he expresses hopes for the upcoming season with Dublin. “We have a balanced group of players, combining youth and experience,” he stated. “The goal is to develop our team and leave a legacy for future players.”
