The three time All-Ireland winner Padraic Maher was forced to hang up his boots today on medical grounds. At 31 years of age he walks away from the game with a rich history having won three All-Ireland’s, six All Stars and five Munster titles.
“It is not the end I would have wished for, but the time has come for me to announce my retirement from hurling,” Maher said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, I recently received medical advice regarding a neck injury, and I have been advised to step away from contact sport. It is heartbreaking to have to make this decision, but it’s the most important one for me and my health moving forward.
“Representing Tipperary has been my lifelong dream and I am truly honoured and privileged to have played for Tipperary for 13 seasons. I have made some truly great friends and met some great people. I have made memories that will stick with me for the rest of my days. While I truly wished this could have lasted a bit longer, I am glad that I can look back and know that I gave everything I had for the blue and gold jersey.”
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Tipperary GAA Press Release – Padraic Maher Retirement – https://t.co/MYg2i4VZVM pic.twitter.com/D2el0suYMf
— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) February 1, 2022
A very sad day for our club, Tipperary and hurling supporters around the country as we learned of Pádraic Maher's retirement. The man has been an unbelievable servant for both club and county and will go down as one of our all time greats. Thanks Pádraic! #sarsabù #PádraicMaher pic.twitter.com/499iLb6qQd
— Thurles Sarsfields GAA (@thurlessars) February 1, 2022
6 All-Stars and 3 All-Ireland senior medals capture Padraic Maher's towering Tipperary hurling career.
Matched Nicky English and Eoin Kelly for the most Allstars a Tipp hurler won, only 5 Kilkenny players and Jimmy Barry-Murphy have surpassed him in hurling in that regard.
— Fintan O'Toole (@fotoole13) February 1, 2022
Goodluck with retirement lad.