Aodhan Cullen (pictured) was voted 2008 Internet Hero by the judging panel. Aodhan is the founder of the free online service StatCounter. StatCounter offers its members the chance to grow and improve their online businesses by providing a free service which allows members to monitor the number of hits to their website; the geographical location of visitors; the various pages a visitor views and keywords used to find the site. The Company was established by 25-year-old Cullen when he was only 16. This year the firm reached a major milestone when it surpassed two million members globally. It currently monitors three million websites and tracks over 10 billion pageloads per month.

TV3 scooped two awards. As well as winning the prestigious eircom Grand Prix Award, they also picked up a Golden Spider in the Best Digital Media category. TV3 re-launched its website earlier this year with the objective of catering for the "new generation" of online users who are focussed on entertainment and Irish content. While historically people used the Internet for research and information purposes, nowadays people regularly visit websites as a source of entertainment and TV3 has designed its website with this behavioural shift in mind. Its new site is a clear demonstration of how broadcasters are coming to terms with the web. The new website takes interactivity to a new level - polls, blogs, comments and feedback are all examples of how the public can be heard both online and on air

This year for the first time there was an award for the Young Designer of the Year. The winner, 22 year old Naoise O' Conchubhair picked up the Award for the website he designed for Dublin event management company, Innovative Events. In addition to his eircom Golden Spider Award, Naoise also receives a six month work placement with leading web design company Arekibo as well as a new laptop and design software.

This year as part of the Awards members of the general public were given an opportunity to vote for their favourite Social Networking and Community Website. Boards.ie was the clear winner in this category.

The full list of 2008 eircom Golden Spiders Award Winners:

Best Financial Services Website: Irishdeposits.ie
Best Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Website: Irelandguide.com
Best Digital Media Website: tv3.ie
Best Sports & Leisure Website: imra.ie
Best Community & Charity Website: heartsplay.ie
Best Education, Research & Training Website: osi.ie
Best e-business Website - (exclusive to web business): litriocht.com
Best Property Website - (non portal): chesterfieldblackrock.ie
Best Mobile Content/Application: Kidsafe - sentrywireless.com
Best New Indigenous Website: Movies.ie
Best Use of Film, Digital Animation or Motion Graphics: Thebellatwyle.com
Best Blog: Mulley.net
Best e-Government Website: osi.ie
Best Entertainment & Games Related Website: redfm.ie
Best FMCG Website: Lucozadesport.ie
Best Recruitment Website: Prosperity.ie
Best Interactive Marketing Campaign: Mrtayto.ie
Best Professional Services Website: Rbk.ie
Best Web Design & Development Agency: Webfactory.ie
Best Retail & Home Shopping Website: Toyota.ie
Best Social Networking & Community: Boards.ie
Young Designer of The Year: Naoise O Conchubhair
Internet Hero: Aodhan Cullen
Grand Prix: Tv3.ie
Peoples Choice Award: Boards.ie