Patrick 'Bonner' Maher eager to see Tipperary's next generation progress

Michael Bolton

A winner of three All-Irelands and two All-Stars, Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher has seen and done it all in a Tipperary jersey.

The former Tipperary hurler was part of some incredible moments in the Premier County’s hurling history, and there could be more on the way for the next generation.

The U-20s won the All-Ireland title against Kilkenny last weekend, while Liam Cahill’s senior side has turned a corner this season.

After reaching the Division 1A final, a third-place finish in Munster, helped by wins over Clare and Waterford and a draw against Limerick, means their championship campaign continues.

Having played with some of the younger players who are now making their mark in the senior squad, Maher is excited by what’s to come.

"Last year, there were definitely green shoots. You could see it in and around the Tipp . We are beginning to see more and more of those shoots now.

"Look, there is a really good mix at the moment, a strong intertwining in Tipperary. It reminds me of my younger days when the older lads didn’t like marking me in training.

"Senior lads now like Noel McGrath, Mikey Breen, Ronan Maher, they can show the young guys the ropes. All credit is due to James Woodlock and Brendan Cummins for keeping the pipeline going and getting the boys up to their potential.

“They went after it early in the year. They put in a good block of work, kept their heads down, and kept tipping away. We all know how competitive Munster is. It just goes to show: Clare and Waterford are out of the All-Ireland series.

“Tipp put in the work, kept their heads down, and did what they needed to do to squeeze through. I'm sure they’re looking forward to the next couple of weeks and getting back involved in the Liam MacCarthy series.”

For many of the Tipperary hurlers, at both senior and U20 level, watching ‘Bonner’ on the big occasions would have been a key part of their lives growing up.

Playing inter-county hurling for 16 years, it was never going to be easy stepping away. However, seeing what was coming down the line, Maher is content with his decision.

"Last year, I had a talk with my family and my girlfriend. I was pushed to go back, but with the body and the time commitments, it was tough.

"When it came to the call this year, I was fairly blunt. I had made my decision. Last year, when I saw a lot of the younger lads coming in, I said to myself, maybe it’s my time to step away and give a younger lad the opportunity.

"I when I was U20 coming into the senior ; there was nothing more I wanted. It was bittersweet for me.

"Physically, I’m in good shape, but time waits for no man. I knew it was time to walk away.

“It’s hard to fill that gap, running out for the first round of the Championship in Thurles or getting ready for the Liam MacCarthy, for the All-Ireland series. I'm definitely missing that side of it.”