Jarlath Burns hails Willie Maher appointment as head of hurling

Then Laois manager Willie Maher in 2023. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

GAA president Jarlath Burns has hailed the appointment of former Laois manager Willie Maher as the association’s new head of hurling.

As reported by the “Irish Examiner” last month, the Tipperary native has been selected for the full-time position.

Maher, who brought Tipperary’s minors to All-Ireland success in 2012, has also acted as a selector with Waterford seniors and managed Dublin club Cuala to county success.

Burns said of the Ballingarry man: “I am delighted that a person of the calibre and experience of William Maher is to be our new National Head of Hurling. This is a crucially important post that will be at the heart of our strategy to protect the game where it thrives and promote it where it needs to be nurtured and developed.

“Hurling is our national sport, acknowledged internationally by UNESCO. We are committed to ensuring that William and the HDC have the ability make a significant impact and to give as many people as possible the opportunity to play and enjoy this national treasure.” 

Maher, 45, had been part of the hurling development committee, which had been tasked with filling the role.

The body’s chairman Terry Reilly added: “Since the Hurling Development Committee was reformed in April of last year, the reappointment of a National Head of Hurling was one of our key objectives and we are delighted to be able to confirm the recruitment of William Maher to the role.

“William will begin his new role with the Association in April and given the breadth of his professional experience alongside his vast hurling knowledge, we are excited that he will be the key driver leading the formulation and implementation of a strategic plan to support the promotion and development of Hurling nationally.” 

In December, former national hurling co-ordinator Martin Fogarty resigned from the development committee. Among the multiple All-Ireland winning Kilkenny selector’s concerns was the decision not to interview candidates in person.