Tipperary GAA wish to advise you that Tipperary senior hurler Padraic Maher has informed us of his decision to retire from hurling on medical grounds.
Padraic has released the following statement:
"It is not the end I would have wished for, but the time has come for me to announce my retirement from hurling. Unfortunately, I recently received medical advice regarding a neck injury, and I have been advised to step away from contact sport. It is heartbreaking to have to make this decision, but it’s the most important one for me and my health moving forward.
Representing Tipperary has been my lifelong dream and I am truly honoured and privileged to have played for Tipperary for 13 seasons. I have made some truly great friends and met some great people. I have made memories that will stick with me for the rest of my days. While I truly wished this could have lasted a bit longer, I am glad that I can look back and know that I gave everything I had for the blue and gold jersey.
I want to thank all the Tipperary players I played with over the years, some of whom are the greatest to ever represent this county. To all the management teams, backroom personnel, doctors, and physios, there is no doubt we were in great hands with you all involved. I am truly grateful for all you have done for me. The Tipperary County Board, the Tipperary Supporters Club, and the various sponsors, have never left us wanting for anything and I want to thank you all sincerely for your support.
Tipperary supporters are some of the most passionate in the country and it was a privilege to represent you all.
The GPA have given great guidance to me along with my fellow players and I want to thank them for their continued support throughout.
What can I say about my beloved club Thurles Sarsfields. What you have all done for my career is unbelievable. The support I received, the great years on the field and the memories we have, I will cherish for the rest of my days. While I might not get to put on that famous blue jersey anymore, I will never be too far away from ‘The Outside Field’.
To Scoil Ailbhe, Thurles CBS and Durlas Og, there are too many people to name but I want to say a massive thank you to everyone for their guidance and advice which helped the development of my hurling career.
An Garda Síochána have shown me tremendous support over the years and I want to thank everyone in both Mayorstone and Henry Street Garda Stations for their ongoing support.
My parents Paddy and Helen, no words can do justice here for what you have done for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your support. Thank you so much.
One of my highlights was getting to play with my brother Ronan. We have made memories that will last us a lifetime. I will be your biggest supporter now and will continue to follow your already remarkable career with excitement.
My extended family have always been a great support to me, and I hope I gave you many good memories to cherish over the years.
My fiancée Claire, the support and sacrifices you made for me, you don’t know how much it means to me. I hope I can now repay you by giving you the time and support you so richly deserve.
Finally, to the Tipperary team, I wish you all the best for the year ahead and I look forward to following you all over the country in what I hope will be a successful one for you all. I’ll be your biggest supporter.
Tipperary Abu"
On learning of Padraic’s retirement, Tipperary County Board Chairman Joe Kennedy said;
"The news that Padraic Maher is retiring on health issues will be greeted with great disappointment by all followers of the Blue and Gold. Padraic has been one of Tipperary’s most consistent performers over many years and has been a true leader of Tipperary Senior hurlers with many inspiring performances. He was always a man for the big day and often gave his best performance for both club and county in championship finals. On the field he displayed tremendous courage and tenacity and was never found wanting in the heat of battle. He will be remembered as one of the greatest Tipperary hurlers and on behalf of all Tipperary followers I wish him well in his retirement. Thank you Padraic."
Today’s announcement brings to an end a glittering career at both Club and County for Padraic who won All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals as a full-back in 2006 and 2007. Padraic also won a Munster Minor Hurling medal in 2007, Munster Under 21 Hurling medals in 2008 and 2010 (as Captain) and 5 Munster Senior Hurling medals (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016). In 2010, Padraic won an All-Ireland Senior Hurling medal playing at left half-back in the final against Kilkenny and repeated the feat in 2016 and 2019. Padraic captained Tipperary to Munster and All-Ireland Under 21 honours in 2010, playing at centre-back in the Munster Final and at full-back in the All-Ireland Final. With Durlas Óg, Padraic won two County Under 16 A Hurling medals (2004 and 2005). He has also won 2 County Minor “A” Hurling medals (2006 and 2007), 2 County Minor “A” Football medals (2005 and 2006), 2 County Under 21 “A” Hurling medals (2008 and 2009) and 7 County Senior Hurling medal (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017), winning the man of the match award in the 2009 County Senior Hurling Final. Padraic won a Munster Club Hurling medal in 2012. Padraic won the Corn Na Mac Leinn All-Ireland Football title in 2007 with the Tipperary Institute. Padraic made his National League debut as a substitute against Dublin in March 2009 and was the Tipperary Senior Hurling Captain for 2017 & 2018. Padraic won All-Star awards in 2009 (full-back), 2011 (wing-back), 2014 (centre-back), 2016 (wing-back), 2017 (wing-back) and 2019 (wing-back). Padraic was nominated for the Hurler of the Year award in 2011 and 2016. Padraic won an Inter Provincial Hurling medal with Munster in 2016.
On behalf of Tipperary GAA, players and management past and present and all Tipperary GAA supporters, thank you Pardaic. You were a true leader, a warrior and an inspiration to so many over the course of your career.
Jonathan Cullen
PRO Tipperary GAA
On behalf of the Tipperary Supporters Club, we thank Padraic for the tremendous service he has given to hurling in Tipperary. Padraic has been a leader from the outset and gave his best whatever the challenge put before him. We wish Padraic all the very best for the future. Go néirí go geal leat amach anseo, a Phadraic
