HURLING:THE NOMINATIONS for hurler of the year and young hurler of the year indicate All-Ireland champions Tipperary are set to feature strongly in the awards to be presented during this evening's Vodafone All Stars banquet in Dublin.

Lar Corbett, scorer of three goals in this year’s All-Ireland final and six during the season, is one of three nominees for the senior award along with team-mate Brendan Maher, whose consistency at centrefield was marked throughout a season that didn’t begin well for Tipp, and Michael Fennelly, who had an outstanding year at centrefield, including in last March’s All-Ireland club final.

Maher appears certain to pick up one of the awards, as he is also nominated for young hurler of the year for which he would be firm favourite should he not win in the main category.

The other nominees are Noel Connors of Waterford, whose displays at corner back were a feature of the county’s Munster championship success, and Tipperary’s Noel McGrath, who won the award last year but is still eligible for consideration, for his outstanding play at centre forward in the All-Ireland semi-final and final.

NOMINATIONS

Hurler of the Year: Lar Corbett (Tipperary), Michael Fennelly (Kilkenny), Brendan Maher (Tipperary).

Young Hurler of the Year: Noel Connors (Waterford), Noel McGrath (Tipperary), Brendan Maher (Tipperary).