YouTube ‘star’ Maher given eight-week ban

Loughrea full-forward Johnny Maher has been suspended for eight weeks arising out of incidents in the concluding stages of the Galway SHC final against St Thomas.

The incidents involving Maher went viral on YouTube with more than 150,000 people viewing them.

The 29-year old full-forward was not carded during the game on November 18 but has now paid the penalty. The committee also examined footage involving St Thomas’s full-forward Richie Murray but did not issue a suspension and he will be free to play in the All-Ireland semi-final against reigning champions Loughgiel Shamrocks in February.