PM O’Sullivan: Brendan Maher remains a stamp of Tipperary’s finest traditions

This candidate was noted young as a right prospect and he departs the Tipperary jersey, quite apart from the glitter of silverware, with the most important accolade secured. They will say: ‘He fulfilled his potential.’ There is no bigger achievement, whatever won, whatever lost.

Forceful and clean, highly skilful and fiercely combative, Brendan Maher is a hurler in the classical style, and experienced few poor outings. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

Brendan Maher gathers a handpass from a Borris-Ileigh team-mate, Jack Hogan.

January 2020, and their side leads St Thomas’ of Galway by three points in added time, a club All-Ireland semi-final at stake. Maher shimmies to the right, fixing his marker in position. Then he turns out to his left side, and strikes over.