The death has occurred of Tipperary GAA legend Michael Maher, at the age of 87.

A renowned full-back in his playing days, which spanned from 1951 to 1966, the Holycross Ballycahill clubman's medal collection included five Celtic Cross souvenirs.

Alongside John Doyle at right full and Kieran Carey in the number 4 jersey, Michael formed probably the most famous hurling full back line of all time. This last line of the Tipp defence was usually referred to as 'Hells Kitchen'. It took a brave man to venture into their area of the field.

He also won eight NHL and six Munster SHC souvenirs during an illustrious playing career.

After hanging up the hurl, Michael Maher immersed himself in administration work and served as chairman of his club, the Tipperary County Board and Munster Council and was also a long serving member of the GAA's Management Committee.

The Tipperary Star reports that Maher, who had been living in a nursing home for some time, was paid a visit by the Tipperary hurlers and the Liam MacCarthy Cup following their success over Kilkenny last year.

Tipperary All Ireland SHC winners 1965. Front l-r: P. Ryan, P. O'Sullivan, D. Nealon, M. Murphy, Jimmy Doyle, J. McKenna, L. Kiely, N. Gaynor, T. English. Back l-r: A. Wall, M. Keating, M. Burns, Michael Maher, M. Roche, K. Carey, John Doyle, S. McLoughlin, M. Lonergan, L. Devaney, J. O'Donoghue

 

MICHAEL MAHER HONOURS:

CLUB

3 Tipperary SHC's (1948, 1951, 1954)

COUNTY

5 All-Ireland SHCs (1958, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965)

6 Munster SHCs (1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1965)

8 National Leagues (1951-52, 1954-55, 1956-57, 1958-59, 1959-60, 1960-61, 1963-64, 1964-65)

1 All-Ireland MHC (1947)

1 Munster MHC (1947)

PROVINCE

4 Railway Cups (1958, 1959, 1961, 1963)

Statement from Munster GAA

It is regret that we have learned of the death of former Munster Council Chairman Michael Maher of Tipperary.

As a player, Michael was a renowned full-back playing with Tipperary as part of what was known as 'Hell's Kitchen' along with John Doyle and Kieran Carey.

Michael won an All-Ireland Minor Hurling medal in 1947 before graduating to the Tipperary Senior panel in 1951. Over the next 15 years, Michael won 5 Senior All Ireland titles and 6 Munster medals in addition to 8 National League medals, 5 Oireachtas medals and 4 Railway Cup medals. At club level, Michael won 3 County Senior Hurling medals with Holycross-Ballycahill.

In the years after his retirement from hurling, Michael became involved in GAA Administration and served as Tipperary County Board Chairman from 1979 to 1982 before becoming Munster Council Chairman from 1989 to 1992. Michael served on many National committees including the Management committee, Bórd na bPáirc, Policy and Planning, Audit and Finance. Michael also spent several years as Chairman of Semple Stadium Committee. At the time of his passing Michael was Vice-President of Tipperary County Board. 

Speaking on behalf of Comhairle na Mumhan, Cathaoirleach Jerry O'Sullivan said "It was with great sadness that we heard of the death of Michael Maher. Michael gave outstanding service to the GAA, both as legendary hurler with Tipperary in the 1950s and 1960s and subsequently as a most able administrator serving at County, Provincial and National level over a long number of years. We pass on our sincere condolences to Michael's family and his wide circle of friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Funeral Arrangements

Reposing in Hugh Ryans Funeral Home, Slievenamon Road, Thurles on Friday, 10th March, from 5pm to 7pm. Arriving at the Church of St Joseph and St Brigid, Bothar na Naomh, Thurles at 7.30pm. Requiem Mass on Saturday, 11th March, at 10am. Burial afterwards in Holycross Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

 

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