‘After this, I’d nearly fancy Cork’s chances’

Two exiles in Kilkenny, former Cork and Tipperary seniors, watched Sunday’s Munster championship opener.

Liam Maher hurled Minor with Tipperary 1977-78 and Senior 1983-86. He scored the winning point when Boherlahan Dualla took a Tipp Senior title in 1996, their first since 1941. A retired Detective Garda, he has lived in Kilkenny since 1984 and is involved with Dicksboro.

Brian Murphy hurled with Cork 1971-83 and kicked football 1972-79. He holds the unique distinction of winning an All-Ireland at Minor, U21 and Senior in both codes. A football All Star in 1973 and 1976, he won hurling gongs in 1979 and 1981. He won seven Senior football titles and four All-Irelands with Nemo Rangers. He is a retired Detective Garda, living in Kilkenny since 1971 and chairman of O’Loughlin Gaels, current county senior champions.