“I have been advised to step away from contact sport” – Totemic Maher forced into an early retirement

It's a sad day not just for Tipperary but for hurling in general.

Having soldiered for years in the blue and gold, Paudie Maher has been forced into an early retirement. Over the course of a 13-year-career, beginning with minor and under-21 All-Ireland wins, Maher was one of the best players in the game. He was not just a colossus but an ever-present colossus in the Tipperary back-line, who didn't miss one championship game since his debut in 2009. Generally, with his blend of power, skill and bravery, Maher was an unstoppable force who exerted a totemic influence on the majority of games he played in. He won six All-Star awards, three All-Irelands as well as seven county titles with his club Thurles Sarsfields. It comes as a huge shock and surprise to hurling people that Maher has this morning announced his retirement due to a neck injury. Just two months ago he played one of his best ever games against Kiladangan in the county semi-final. That turned out to be one of his final games as, due to medical advice, Maher will never play contact sport again. "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. https://twitter.com/GAA__JOE/status/1488447700555153408 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. https://twitter.com/NedzerB13/status/1488434593028059138 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. https://twitter.com/larcorbett/status/1488445655475437571 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." And so to a man like that, after a career like that, all you can say is thanks.