TIPPERARY WERE CROWNED Munster senior hurling champions for the first time in three years today and their talismanic captain Brendan Maher played a central role in the victory.

The 26-year-old from Borrisoleigh has always led from the front but he was instrumental at Semple Stadium as Tipp edged past Waterford to lift their 41st provincial title.

The headlines may go to Seamus Callanan, who scored six points, or substitute Lar Corbett who announced his return with a second-half cameo.

But it was Maher who got the vote of Donal Óg Cusack and Eddie Brennan on The Sunday Game for the man-of-the-match award to cap a memorable day for the Premier County skipper.

“When Waterford threatened to take hold of that match, Brendan Maher went toe-to-toe with Kevin Moran and played a captain’s role without being spectacular,” Brennan commented.

The other nominees were Cathal Barrett and Waterford’s Maurice Shanahan, who scored eight points for his side.

Do you agree with the panel’s selections? Let us know in the comments section.

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