Ned Quinn’s tribute to ‘legend’ Fr Tommy Maher

Fr Tommy Maher, who died on Tuesday evening, has been described as a "legendary figure in Kilkenny and in hurling generally" by Kilkenny County Board chairman Ned Quinn.

Maher, who was 92, coached Kilkenny to 12 All-Ireland senior hurling finals winning seven (1957, 1963, 1967, 1969, 1972, 1974 and 1975).

“It might be hard for young people nowadays in Kilkenny to believe,” said Quinn yesterday, “But when Paddy Grace invited Fr Tommy Maher to take charge of Kilkenny the county had won a single All-Ireland in the previous 16 years, in 1947.