TIPPERARY GREAT BRENDAN Maher has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling after 13 years of service to the Premier County.
In a statement published on the Tipperary GAA website, the Borris-Ileigh star says it was “a huge honour and privilege” to represent his county and will reflect on his Tipperary career with “no regrets.”
The three-time All-Ireland winner steps away from Liam Sheedy’s side following Tipperary’s elimination from the All-Ireland championship on the back of a defeat to Waterford last month.
His statement in full reads:
“After 13 years playing with Tipperary, I have decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from inter-county hurling. It was a huge honour and privilege for me to wear the Tipperary jersey and I am very grateful to have played with so many top-class players and to have enjoyed many successes with them. The inter-county game requires very significant commitment, and I am happy that I can look back on my career with no regrets having given everything that I could during my time with Tipperary.
“Firstly, I want to thank the Tipperary players sincerely, I have made lifelong friendships with so many of them. I am also very grateful to the managers and backroom teams who gave me so much support and guidance.
“As a player, I always received immense support from the Tipperary County Board, Tipperary Supporters Club and Associations, Tipperary team sponsors and the GPA. I want to thank all of them. Thanks also to the Tipperary supporters who I have always been so proud to represent.”
Maher, who made his senior inter-county debut in 2009, enjoyed All-Ireland success with Tipperary in 2010, 2016 and 2019.
He picked up three All-Stars throughout his career and captained Tipp when they lifted the Liam MacCarthy cup in 2016.
A versatile player who can switch between attacking and defensive positions, Maher will retire as one of the great talents in modern hurling.
“To my club, Borris-Ileigh, where it all began, a huge thank you. I look forward to what the next few years will bring as we continue our journey. My friends have also been hugely supportive of me and helped me in so many ways over the course of my career, for which I am very grateful.
“My parents, Johnny and Anne, have done everything they possibly could to support and encourage me and there are no words to describe my gratitude to them. I have always looked up to my three older brothers, Sean, Declan, and Martin, to whom I am very grateful for instilling such self-belief and will to win in me. My nieces, nephews and extended family have always been very loyal supporters and I want to say thanks to all of them.
“I am very lucky to have had such constant support and encouragement from my fiancée, Aoife. She has helped me get through the toughest of times and being able to share so many wonderful moments with her has made it all extra special.
“Finally, I wish Tipperary all the very best for 2022 and beyond. I have no doubt that the players and management will do everything in their power to bring more success to the county in the years ahead.”
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There’s a real buzz at the cross again. Let’s hope more people get out and support their local LOI team.
First since 1998, not jumping on the bandwagon but I hope to support many more games, real joy seen LOI
I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m City til I die. Great performance tonight!!!
First visit to the cross in 3/4 years, brought my young lad age 7 along for his 1st visit. He thoroughly enjoyed, think that’s my Fridays night sorted for next few months . Great atmosphere, great win.
Fair play for bringing your child, letting him experience live football firsthand. I just wish more parents were like you.
Markie Sullivan was flying again tonight,great hold up play and won everything in the air,thoroughly deserved victory,great buzz at the cross again long may it last
Buzz is certainly back in Cork football.The City u19 side who won their 3rd title on the bounce last week , paraded the trophy at halftime, and then entered the famous Shed and joined in the choruses of Championez. Special times at Turners Cross.
Nice too see big attendances like this league needs it. I think more and more people are starting to appreciate the LOI.
Hopefully although a very small crowd at the St. Pats game. I don’t know was this because it was shown live but for the champions to get just over 1,300 at home to last years runners up is extremely disappointing.
They got 5,300 plus for the pats game!
I’m talking about the Pats Dundalk game last night!
Great crowd, good to see that back in Cork. Be nice to see them do well this season and finish 2nd after Dundalk haha!!
Let’s hope the score sees fit to increase the profile of LOI by entering the category to the “scores” section
They must have heard you as they’re listed now. I always thought the Score did include them. In their defence, they give excellent coverage to the League and exposure to a wider audience.
Good to see Cork doing well. Always enjoyed away trips down to the Cross.
Hi Nigel,
We’ve always had the LOI in our live scores section. The latest results can be found here: http://www.thescore.ie/airtricity-premier-division/
Roll on next Friday and home to Sligo Rovers… Another big crowd expected.
People of Ireland WE ARE BACK CCFC :-)
Great to see both Shamrock Rovers Teams beaten on the one weekend.Is it one for the record?,long may it continue.
Best night at the Cross in a long time , here’s hoping for a few more , well done city