Both Sean Cavanagh and Eoin Larkin were last night honoured with the 'Footballer of the Year' and Hurler of the Year' award for 2008 respectively at the annual All Stars in Dublin's City West Hotel. Cavanagh beat off competition from fellow Tyrone forward Brian Dooher and Kerry ace Colm Cooper to scoop the award after being cited by many as top favourite with his distinguished performances for the O'Neill County in this season's All-Ireland SFC. They Moy clubman also collected his fourth All Star at the ceremony, while Kerry 20-year-old attacker Tommy Walsh was named 'Young Footballer of the Year', seeing off competition from Laois' John O'Loughlin and Limerick's Ian Ryan. Kilkenny's Eoin Larkin, who was a first-time All Star winner this year at left half-forward, picked up the 'Hurler of the Year' award at the ceremony after his outstanding performances this past summer which helped the Cats capture their third Liam MacCarthy Cup on the trot. The 24-year-old first came onto the scene in Kilkenny when he helped his club side James Stephens to an All-Ireland club title in 2005 and earned a place on to Brian Cody's team. Since then the prolific attacker hasn't looked back and has had his best year for the Cats this past season. Galway sensation Joe Canning was named 'Young Hurler of the Year' and also won his first All Star award at right corner-forward. The 19-year-old Portumna man starred at full-forward this year for the Tribesmen and scored an outstanding 2-12 in his side's All-Ireland SHC quarter-final to Cork. On the night the hurling All Stars team was also revealed with Kilkenny dominating the selections with nine winners in all. Last month's All-Ireland winning managers Mickey Harte and Brian Cody presented the 'Player of the Year' and All Star awards for football and hurling respectively. Tweet

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