'Ice in the veins': How Tipp stopped Kilkenny's drive for five

Padraic Maher is one of the greatest hurlers of his generation and an icon in Tipperary. Winner of three All-Irelands and six All-Stars, he was one of Tipp’s key men for over a decade — detailed to mark some of the biggest names in the game. In this exclusive extract from his autobiography, he takes us behind the scenes as Tipp count down to their epic 2010 All-Ireland final meeting with Kilkenny.

RUNNING UP THAT HILL: Padraic Maher celebrates in front of Tipperary fans on Hill 16 after the match. Picture: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

WE PLAYED Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-final, a day it could have all come undone. They were very good, but we had that tougher mindset from the meeting in the Jockey and the Cork defeat.

Gearoid Ryan had a great day for us against Galway, and from a Thurles perspective the winner was created by the Sarsfields - Pa Bourke came on and set up Larry’s winning point. Back in an All-Ireland final.