Maher stakes claim for Munster final starting spot

YOUNG Hurler of the Year Brendan Maher came through his competitive comeback unscathed yesterday , scoring three points for Borrisoleigh in their North Tipperary SHC defeat by Kildangan.

Maher had been out of action since breaking his ankle in March but is now in contention for a starting place in the All-Ireland champions’ Munster SHC final against Waterford on July 10.

Borrisoleigh’s 2-14 to 4-16 defeat by Kildangan consigns them to the county senior hurling championship knockout stages but Maher played the full hour on his comeback. Maher, 22, scored a sideline cut, a point from play and converted a free for a three-point haul, while Tipperary team-mate Paddy Stapleton scored 1-1 for Borrisoleigh.