‘Mad for road’ Maher targets Munster final return

BRENDAN MAHER wasn’t part of Tipperary’s match-day panel against Clare, but proved he’s made a full recovery from his broken ankle by hurling in a training match with his club Borris-Ileigh yesterday.

The 2010 Young Hurler of the Year will play his first competitive match since suffering the injury on Sunday, and is hopeful he can convince Declan Ryan he’s ready for a recall to the squad for the Munster SHC final against Waterford in three weeks time.

“I’m hoping to tog out with my club against Kildangan on Sunday,” he revealed after yesterday’s Munster SHC semi-final win over Clare.

“I took part in a training match with Borris on Sunday morning and I had no problems, and I’ll hopefully do another bit now next week before the match. I hadn’t taken part in any training matches with Tipperary since coming back from the ankle, so it was nice to have one. Sunday is my big chance to get a game under my belt and perform well so I can put myself in the frame for the Munster final against Waterford.”

Maher was an AllStar midfielder last year, but says he won’t mind slotting into Tipperary’s problem position of right wing-back if he’s given a recall for the Waterford match. “I don’t mind where I play, as long as I’m handed a jersey I’ll be delighted. Even if it’s number 26 I’ll be happy – I just want to get back into the fold and be part of it again. I’m mad for road.”