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Tony Maher (born January 12, 1945) is a former Irish sportsperson who played hurling for St. Finbarr's and Cork in the 1960s and 1970s.
[edit] Playing career
Tony Maher was born in Cork in 1945. He was educated at Greenmount School where he developed a great talent for hurling. He worked as a textile dyer after leaving school, before spending some time employed by Ford and later the Office of Public Works. Maher first tasted hurling success in the local underage leagues organised in Cork city, before joining his local St. Finbarr's GAA club. His talent was spotted at an early age and in 1963 he wore a Cork jersey for the first time when he played on the minor team. Two years later in 1965 Maher won his first Cork Senior Hurling Championship medal with "the Barr's." At inter-county level he progressed onto the under-21 side and won an All-Ireland Under-21 medal in 1966. A second Cork County Championship medal followed in 1968, the same year he made his debut for the Cork senior hurling team in the National Hurling League.
In 1969 Maher won his very first NHL medal, before later claiming his first Munster Championship medal. Unfortunately Cork lost out to Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final. Cork were back in 1970, with Maher winning his second NHL and Munster titles, as well as his only senior All-Ireland medal. In 1971 Maher's hurling skills were honoured when he became Cork's very first All-Star Award-winner. His team-mate, Ray Cummins, was also honoured. Another Munster title followed in 1972, however, Cork were defeated yet again by Kilkenny in the All-Ireland final. He also collected his second All-Star award. Another National League title followed in 1974, before Maher claimed a third Cork County Championship medal with St. Finbarr's. This victory allowed Maher to go on and win a Munster club title, before winning his first All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship medal in early 1975. He won his fourth and final Munster title in 1975, bring his senior inter-county career to an end. He continued to play club hurling with St. Finbarr's, winning two more County Championships in 1977 and 1980, and an All-Ireland club title in 1978. His last game for St. Finbarr's was the 1981 All-Ireland club final, which they lost. In retirement from the game he became chairman of the St. Finbarr's club between 1987 and 1996. He is currently secretary of the club and is considered a real legend not only in the barrs but in the wider GAA circle.
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Cork - All-Ireland Senior Hurling Champions 1970 (21st title) |
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Club Hurling Silver Jubilee Team (1971-1996) |
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