All-Ireland finalists dominate All-Star Awards

All-Ireland SFC winners Cork and beaten finalists Down have picked up four Vodafone GAA All-Stars each, following today's announcement in Dublin.

Wed, 13 Oct, 2010 - 20:40

All-Ireland SFC winners Cork and beaten finalists Down have picked up four Vodafone GAA All-Stars each, following today's announcement in Dublin.

Michael Shields, Paudie Kissane, Graham Canty and Aidan Walsh are the Rebels honoured, with Brendan McVeigh, Danny Hughes, Marty Clarke and Benny Coulter the Mourne men taking gongs.

Cork's four awards represent a record-equalling lowest haul for the All-Ireland champions - Offaly in 1971, Dublin in 1983 and Down in 1991 all only claimed four All-Stars each as holders of the Sam Maguire Cup.

Meanwhile, beaten 2010 semi-finalists Kildare pick up two awards as Peter Kelly and John Doyle featured in the All-Stars team for the first time.

Dublin, who lost to Cork at the semi-final stage, have just one All-Star this year - Bernard Brogan at full-forward.

Sligo's Charlie Harrison, Philip Jordan of Tyrone and Colm Cooper of Kerry have also been honoured for their performances this year.

There is some consolation for beaten Leinster finalists Louth with the news that midfielder and captain Paddy Keenan has become the Wee county's first ever All-Star footballer.

Meanwhile, the Footballer of the Year nominees for 2010 have been announced.

Dublin's Bernard Brogan, Michael Shields of Cork and Danny Hughes of Down are the players shortlisted for the top award.

Cork's Aidan Walsh, Peter Kelly of Kildare and Graham Reilly of Meath are in the running to be crowned Young Player of the Year.

The winners of the player awards along with the Hurling All-Stars will be announced at a special awards ceremony on Friday night.

2010 VODAFONE GAA FOOTBALL ALL-STARS:

Goalkeeper -

Brendan McVeigh (Down)

Full-Backs -

Peter Kelly (Kildare)

Michael Shields (Cork)

Charlie Harrison (Sligo)

Half-Backs -