Inspirational Maher in right place to make a difference

When people think of Doyle nowadays they speak of Hell’s Kitchen and imagine this big, strong, murderous corner-back who brutalised skilful corner-forwards into submission.

It’s not all imagination either and getting caught in the triangle of Byrne/Brennan/Doyle (1949/’50/’51) and later Doyle/Maher/Carey (1962/’64/’65) must have felt like being caught in a thresher. It’s often forgotten though that Doyle was also a superb ball-player and won the middle two of his eight All-Irelands at left-half back.

Tomorrow in Páirc Uí Chaoimh Padraic Maher will line out in that position for Tipperary. A skilful ball player but also a big, strong, robust, chest-out player in the Doyle mould.