Maher's busy week
September 02, 2010
Tipperary's Brendan Maher
21 years and never been kissed? Hardly!? But for Tipperary defender Brendan Maher one thing is certain - there's been an awful lot of love and time been given to the small ball by the Borris-Ileigh clubman in recent years.
As a Minor he graced the front cover of the Tipperary GAA Yearbook back in 2008 - the Irish Press Cup hoisted high in the air, as he captained Tipperary to an ESB All-Ireland MHC success over Cork, with six points to spare in that September 2007 Croke Park decider - as the Premier County claimed back-to-back gongs.
Seven of those that lined out in that decider are a vital part of both of Tipperary's Senior and Under 21 squads this year - Seamus Callanan missing out on that decider through injury, but featuring in the 2006 final as a substitute.
Maher says that there is plenty of experience among the panel despite the abundance of youth that is in this side, and it's that youth coupled with the experience which would hopefully finally break the duck and halt Kilkenny's five-in-a-row senior aspirations.
"I suppose there is a great mix of experience and youth there and I suppose the experienced lads would bring that extra bit of hunger there as well. They have been around the block and they have seen it all. They've been through some hard times and some good times, so they are definitely guiding us through it.
"We are just looking to bring Liam MacCarthy back to Tipp."
Of course Maher is also hoping the Cross of Cashel trophy comes his sides way in the coming weeks - the Bord Gais Energy All-Ireland Under 21 Hurling decider against Galway also firmly in his mindset - is it proving to be a distraction for the talented midfielder?
"We've had to do the same thing all year," he says.
"The under 21 games have come close after senior games. We're used to it at this stage. We have to concentrate on the senior game and we'll have five or six days to build up for the under 21 game.
"In fairness to Liam (Sheedy) he does give us the few nights off after the senior games. Normally we don't train the week after a championship (match)."
The elder statesmen of the Senior setup (those 22 players over the age of 21) would believe that they are as much a part of the 21s drive for a first All-Ireland title since 1995 - something affirmed to by Maher - with both squads just 'one big happy family'.
"There is one big group there between the 21s and the seniors. There are a lot of the 21s would be coming in for the internal matches," Maher reveals.
"We have played against each other, 21s against the seniors, I wouldn't see it as different, it's almost like the same set up."
The Munster route was tough for the 21s, but a 2-32 to 1-7 demolition of Antrim in the All-Ireland semi-final at O'Connor Park, Tullamore did neither the Saffrons nor Tipperary no real favours.
Maher is just glad that his side are priming themselves for two All-Ireland finals in the space of six days at the beginning of September.
"The game against Antrim was just about getting to another All-Ireland final, and we have two to look forward too now in the space of a week.
"The buzz is good around the county at the moment, but we will be accepting nothing less than two All-Ireland medals!"
Although Tipperary lost last year's senior decider by five points, Maher believes that the Premier County's strong display that day gives his side great heart.
"I suppose, last year we performed well and we went up and we got a strong performance from the team. Things didn't go our way, but we are back again this year.
"Last year was a good experience, and we know the preparation that goes with All-Ireland finals now, but it is just another game, and we are looking to win that game."
Maher has just watched the DVD of that game once since Christmas, and concedes that he's been turning the negatives from that game to positives ever since.
"It's different when you're playing it yourself you don't look at it the same way. When I watched it I was looking at myself trying to see where I went wrong. That's what you did with every game; see what you can improve on."
2010 is a whole new ball game, and the display 12 months ago has now been firmly cast aside according to the Primary School teacher.
"We are not thinking about last year. This is a new game now, and we are just looking to win the game," he said.
"After the Cork game this year the county was in a bit of a drop. To go down there and get well beaten was a shock to us all I suppose."
But the positives have to be taken from the negatives quickly if one is to bounce back - and Maher and his colleagues channelled their energies well through the back-door route.
"It was that boost we needed, we got back on the training field and trained hard and thankfully we have put on a good run of performances since then."
And Maher alludes to Tipperary's strength in depth, as a key factor in his sides march through the back-door route.
"Absolutely. You have seen the amount of different lads who have come up trumps throughout the year. Even lads coming off the bench, like Pa Bourke against Galway who made the difference.
"Conor O'Mahony and John O'Brien also - there's massive competition for places and I think that's the best way to have it."
On the senior front, Maher is delighted to have his Mary Immaculate College sparring partner Shane McGrath back at midfield.
"Shane is one of the best midfielders in the country. I suppose he is back to top form now. He's a great asset, the engine of the team. It is definitely a big plus.
"Gearoid (Ryan) was unlucky, he had an injury before the Cork game he had been flying it until then. It's hard to know what way things would have worked out.
"After the Cork game the work that was put in on the training field reflected on the field and in our performances. From 1 to 30 everyone just worked as hard as they could and it was the best 15 got the jersey. There was no such thing as 'he'll be playing and he'll be playing'. Nobody knew who was playing.
"Coming up to the Wexford game it was probably one of the first times we couldn't name even 10 of the players that was starting."
There were plenty of Maher's to the fore on that day and in most of Tipp's displays in recent years.
But while Brendan isn't related to Padraic (Thurles Sarsfields); Patrick (Lorrha and Dorrha) or Shane (Burgess) there's a decent blood-line to follow all the same.
His older brother Martin was the same age as him when he broke into the Tipperary squad, but then injuries came against him.
"I've been lucky with injuries so far, touch wood. Lots of players have been hurt by injuries so hopefully I can stay away from them."
Brendan is hoping he can be the one to follow in the footsteps of fellow Borris-Illeigh clubmen such as the Ryan's and Tony Wall to claim All-Ireland Senior honours.
"Bobby and Aidan (Ryan) and Philip (Maher) are already there (on the All-Ireland winners list). There is a website at home and shows the roll of honour. I'm mad to get my name up on it.
"Philip is a second cousin. He's still playing, captain and centre back. He has another few years to go yet."
A strong couple of weeks of celebration could be on the cards should Tipp senior's and 21's claim gongs - but Brendan Maher won't be the man to get carried away with the hype, before a puck of a ball takes place.
"I'm looking forward to the matches now, and we'll take care of the celebration after." Tweet
