Kerry’s ‘complete midfielder’ Anthony Maher bows out

Éamonn Fitzmaurice bemoaned the groin and hip injuries that beset the latter part of Anthony Maher’s Kerry career as the 32-year-old midfielder yesterday announced his inter-county retirement.

Following Kieran Donaghy and Donnchadh Walsh in recent weeks, the two-time All-Ireland winner bowed out, thanking his wife, Megan, his club Duagh, his family, friends, and teammates.

Praising Maher’s efforts in the green and gold, Fitzmaurice said: “During my time in charge, Anthony was a hugely important member of our group, being our midfield anchor for much of that time.

“His involvement in the recent past has been limited by debilitating injuries that he stubbornly defied to keep playing at the highest level.

“He was a leader in the dressing room, often acting as a conduit to management. He was a complete midfielder, strong in the air, athletic, skilful, two-footed, and extremely hard-working.” 

“He was exceptionally dedicated to his craft and worked tirelessly on his game.

“In 2014, we holidayed in South Africa as All-Ireland champions. We spent part of the trip in Sun City and, naturally, availed of the golf on site. One day, as a group of us wound down our round, I noticed Anthony running around the boundary of the golf course on his own, typically pushing himself.

“He was getting ready for 2015 and backed up his 2014 season by again driving us to the final that year.”

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Possessing a PhD in pharmaceutical chemistry and now working as senior product development specialist/project manager at Wyeth Nutrition/Nestlé, Maher made his league debut for Kerry 10 years ago and his SFC bow in 2010.

He started in the 2014 All-Ireland final win over Donegal as he did the 2011 and 2015 final losses to Dublin.

“I’d firstly like to thank all my former teammates,” his statement on the Kerry GAA website opened.

“While I am retiring from Kerry football with a heavy heart, I’m retiring with incredible memories. We’ve had highs and lows together but the bond developed throughout has been immeasurable. I look forward to watching and supporting as the current group continue to develop and grow, and return to glory once again.”

He continued: “I’d also like to express my gratitude to all the management teams down throughout the years. Their commitment to the cause has always been second to none.

“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me, first by Pat O’Shea, further developed and nurtured by Jack (O’Connor) and Éamonn and their backroom teams.”

Jack O’Connor contributed: “Anthony Maher was top class as a footballer and as a leader in the dressing room. He was a great team player and commanded a lot of respect when he spoke.

“He is a very intelligent man and he brought that with him on the football field. Anthony was very modest but a fierce competitor when it came down to a battle.

“It’s a pity injury blighted the last couple of years of his career as he worked extremely hard to get himself right. His leadership and example will be a big loss to Kerry.”