Fan favourite Patrick Maher calls time
By Shane Brophy
One of the most popular players to ever wear the Tipperary jersey, Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher has called time on his senior inter-county career.
“After sixteen years as a Tipperary senior hurler I have decided that the time is right for me to announce my retirement from inter county hurling,” he said in a statement issued through Tipperary County Board on Monday morning.
“It has been a dream come true for me to have had the privilege and honour to wear the Tipperary jersey.
“I want to thank each and every player I had the opportunity to share the dressing room with, I will cherish the friendships made over the years and all the great memories.
To the management teams and backroom teams, I greatly appreciate all the time and effort you have given me in helping me reach my full potential.
“The support I have received over my time as a player from the Tipperary County Board, The Tipperary Supporters Club and Associations and Team sponsors has been immense and I thank you all for your dedication in supporting the Tipperary team to the highest standards. I would also like to thank the GPA for all the support they have provided me during my career.
“The Tipperary supporters it has been an honour to represent you on the field. I want to thank each and everyone of you for the support. I look forward to joining you in the stands to cheer on Tipperary for the years to come.
“To the Tipperary team in 2025 I wish you the very best and look forward to cheering you on. Tipp Abu.”
After a successful underage career which yielded minor and under 21 All-Ireland medals, Maher was first called into the senior panel for the 2009 season, making his league debut in February of that year but had to wait until 2010 to make his championship debut, one of those to benefit from the mass changes following the Munster Championship defeat to Cork.
He made his first start in the All-Ireland qualifier win over Wexford, going onto make another 44 appearances, scoring 7-26, winning 3 All-Ireland titles in 2010, 2016 & 2019, and was twice an All-Star in 2014 and 2016.
The latter portion of Maher’s career was hampered by injury, sustaining a cruciate knee injury in the Munster Championship win over Limerick in 2019 and having recovered, sustained an Achilles tendon injury in the spring of 2021 which ended the Lorrha clubmans season, but returned to feature in each of the last three seasons under Colm Bonnar and Liam Cahill.
Maher added: “My club Lorrha, it has been a huge honour for me to represent our club. I want to thank you for all the support.
“My friends and teammates who have always been there for me during the highs and lows which I am grateful for.
“My parents John and Madeline without your support and guidance I would have never reached the highs of my career and I’m extremely grateful for everything you have done for me.
“My brothers Jack and Willie, my love for the blue and gold and hurling in general was born in the countless hours we spent hurling on the front lawn at home. Thanks for never going easy on me.
“My partner Grainne, I’m so grateful to you for all the support you have given me throughout the years. Thank you for the sacrifices you have made to allow me to pursue my sporting dreams, for this I will be forever grateful.
Tipperary GAA thanked Patrick for his outstanding commitment to the blue and gold jersey throughout the course of his career, and for the many great memories that he has left us all with.
“Patrick contributed in no small way to some of Tipperary’s great days and on behalf of all Tipperary supporters we wish him the very best of good fortune for the future.”