Maher, Dan
July 20, 2008
On 13 June the news broke that Dan maher of Ballycuddihy had died. Dan grew up at a time when hurling fever hit the parish. The school Board was formed in Kilkenny in the early '40's. A school team took part in 1943 but was beaten in the championship. Davy Maher, N.T., Kilmanagh took up took up the training of the school team in 1944. the team reached the County Final only to be beaten by Bennettsbridge.
In 1945 Dan was made captain and we had a great victory over St John's in the county final. Dan was carried shoulder high with the cup from Nowlan Park to the Metropole Hotel where a reception was held for both teams. Dan was full back on the minor Championship in 1948 and 1949. He captained the Graigue team to minor success in 1949 and his brother Jimmy played with the senior team that also won the championship that year.
Dan played on the Kilkenny minor team of 1949. In the run up to the All-Ireland final they beat Wexford in the first round 1-3 to 0-5; beat Meath in the second 7-9 to 1-2. They had a good win in the Leinster final beating Dublin 4-6 to 0-4 points.
In the All-Ireland semi-final they beat Galway 4-2 to 1-1. Dan played at full back for his country against Tipperary in the All-Ireland Final. However success was not to be on that day and Tipperary came out winners. It was a great honour for Dan to play for his County on All Ireland day.
Dan Played and gave great service to Graigue senior team in the '50's winning several tournaments. He also played for Ballycallan in the junior championships in the 50's.
Dan worked for years in Parliment Street, Kilkenny in a Bar, Grocery and Undertaker's business, known at the time as Heslin and Maher. He became Know to many people in the city and county through his work. Dan his days farming out the Kells road where he lived with his wife Bea who also hailed from Ballycallan.
This is an acknowledgement to Dan, who was true gentleman on and off the field.
Courtesy of the Kilkenny People
20th July, 2008
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