New Tipp skipper Maher raring to go

New Tipperary senior hurling captain Brendan Maher has called on the Premier County to kickstart a new era. Maher, 24, was named on Monday evening, with Noel McGrath from senior champions Loughmore-Castleiney vice-captain.

Both players are minor, U21 and senior All-Ireland medallists, and in 2007 Maher lifted the Irish Press Cup as captain of Tipp’s All-Ireland minor winning hurlers.

He reflected: “I did have that experience with the minors but now there’s no comparison. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing and I’m delighted and honoured. I can’t wait to get back on the pitch and hopefully my actions on the pitch are as strong as what I want to say.”

Despite Tipp’s premature exit from the 2013 championship, Maher was one of the team’s better players over two games against Limerick and Kilkenny.

Maher was vice-captain last season but the Borrisoleigh clubman has been earmarked for elevation to his new role for some time now.He added: “There have been some great leaders over the years, the likes of Brendan (Cummins) and Declan Fanning. We’re still young, I’m only 24 but around long enough now to know that we need to start something new and start a new era.

“That’s what we’re hoping to do and we have some new lads, some fresh faces, and that feels good. I can’t wait to get back training together and get a buzz again.”

Maher admitted leading Tipperary into battle is a prospect he’s still coming to terms with. The midfield dynamo revealed: “Eamon rang me and we met up and had a good, positive meeting.”

Maher believes Tipp will be fuelled by renewed hunger and motivation following a disappointing 2013 season. He reflected: “It’s the earliest since I’ve been involved that we were knocked out. It was a very tough summer to get through but I was one of the lucky ones as my club got to the business end of the county championship.”