TIPPERARY HURLER MICHAEL Maher, a five-time All-Ireland senior hurling winner with the county, has passed away at the age of 87 after a long illness.
Maher was part of Tipperary’s renowned full-back line – dubbed ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ – alongside John Doyle and Kieran Carey.
A member of the Holycross-Ballycahill club, Maher enjoyed Liam MacCarthy Cup triumphs in 1958, 1961, 1962, 1964 and 1965.
He also claimed plenty other honours during his Tipperary hurling career.
- Eight National League medals.
- Four Railway Cup medals.
- Five Oireachtas Cup medals.
- An All-Ireland minor hurling win in 1947.
- Tipperary county senior hurling titles in 1948, 1951 and 1954.
“As a player the name of Michael Maher was enough to put fear into the minds of opposing forwards whose task it was to mark him,” remarked Tipperary county board chairman Michael Bourke this afternoon.
“One of the infamous ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ trio Maher was imperious and revelled in his position at full back.
“As Tipperary county board chairman, I am privileged to follow in his footsteps as county chairman as Michael proved to be an excellent and thorough administrator who committed himself to Tipperary throughout his lifetime.
“His foresight and vision helped shape and steer the county to where it is today. On behalf of Tipperary county board I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Maher family and also to his club, Holycross-Ballycahill, on the sad passing of Michael.”
In the years after his retirement, Maher served as county board chairman, a Tipperary senior hurling selector and Munster Council chairman.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
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Promising signs for the rebels. Let’s hope we can return to the top table come September