Scar mars Maher's day in Croke Park sun

PHILLIP MAHER has a strange complaint. These days, like the rest of the nation, the Tipperary hurler is enjoying the sun, relaxing and working on his tan. But he is not a happy man.

"I'd rather not be, but sure that's it these days, there is nothing I can do about it now."

The cause of his upset, is a small scar which runs alongside his knee cap, the remnants of surgery which has forced him to miss tomorrow's meeting with Kilkenny in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final in Croke Park. When the sides last met, in the NHL final, Maher was the Premier full-back, enjoying a fine tussle in front of goal with long Martin Comerford. Then it happened.