It is with great regret and sadness that we recall the death of Paddy Maher, a man who gave so much to the Gaelic Athletic Association. Paddy Maher has entered his greatest field, The Field of Eternal Life. He is going to a place where Mackey, Ring, Stokes and others are seeking a manager. That position has now been duly filled by the legendary Paddy Maher. Paddy Maher, for so long an integral part of all matters pertaining to the GAA. For almost 30 years he was part of victories and defeats, but always loyal to his players and above all hugely proud of Pallas. The first game Paddy saw Pallas play was in 1931 against Claughaun in Cappamore, but he was quick to point out that Claughaun won by a disputed score. After spending a number of years in England, Paddy returned to Pallasgreen in 1953 and quickly got involved in team affairs. He assembled a junior team and didn't take long to establish themselves. They reached the county junior final in 1955 against a star studded Patrickswell team. But Paddy was again quick to point out "we had been used to small fields in East Limerick and then the Well got us at the Gaelic Grounds, they spread the ball to great effect." The following year mission was accomplished with a great win over a gallant St Patricks. His involvement with the footballers in 1957 saw them reach the County Senior football final only to lose to the famed Treaty Sarsfield team after a replay. The following year another senior football decider was reached against the great Garda side, but defeat was a hard pill to swallow in a record attendance at the Gaelic Grounds. Credit to Paddy and his management skills that he had Pallas teams playing at all the highest levels. Paddy is immensely proud of hurling in East Limerick and in particularly Pallas, his management skills were again recognised when Pallas won the County junior hurling title in 1968 with victory over St. Mary's of Rathkeale. The same team remarkably went on to contest the senior final with Patrickswell the following year in 1969. To this day that team is regarded as one of the finest ever to wear the blue and gold jersey. Paddy in his own words: "We had men of real quality who were transformed once they wore the colours of Pallas. We had players of great quality and always knew when the lads were going well their focus was right." In some ways Paddy was more than a trainer to the team, he took care of many different jobs and was rubbing down players long before it was popular, he had good rubs that were mixed for greyhounds but Paddy applied them to his charges in Pallas also. He was a doctor, physio, masseur and a counsellor, all he was short was the qualifications. Paddy's era proved to be a remarkable one, his methods if anything were probably ahead of their time. Centenary year in 1984 signalled the end of his involvement as a trainer of teams when Pallas were defeated by Garryspillane in a thrilling junior hurling encounter at Bruff. Paddy's ability to recall was amazing, facts and details just flowed from him. He would tell story after story. One brief story that he would always recall: Leading up to the 1968 County final, a particular publican who opened a public house, questioned Paddy as whether the team would win, the reply was: "Why? If you win I'll have to have more stuff and more staff." Such was his passion for recalling great moments and stories that in 1999 when the great teams of 1948, 58 and 68 were honoured in Adare, Paddy was asked to say a few words. He got up on the stage, grabbed microphone and leaned on the podium, the stories had the audience of 400 people entertained with great laughter. Being a hurling man with great stories, the challenge was how to get Paddy to come to a halt. Few men have given such service as he did to a very loyal bunch of players; foremost in his mind at all times was Pallas. In an era in which player's are now looking to be reimbursed Paddy Maher should be remembered for the service he has given to the Gaelic Athletic Association. His service has earned him legendary status in Pallas, East and County Limerick and we thank him for the great moments and memories that will go down in the annals of the GAA. As a mark of respect, a large guard of honour was formed at both the removal and internment by the Pallasgreen and Cappamore GAA clubs. His funeral was from Lynch Kelly Funeral Home, Cappamore to Cappamore Church. Following Requiem Mass interment took place in Old Pallas cemetery under the shadow of the Hill of Knockgreen. The graveside oration was delivered by Tony Greene (Snr) of Pallasgreen GAA club. Sympathies are tendered to his wife, family, relatives and friends and the GAA community. May he rest in peace. - Courtesy of the Limerick Lifetimes, Saturday January 5th 2008 Tweet

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