Three-time All-Ireland winner Brendan Maher has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling with Tipperary after 13 years in the blue and gold.
The 32-year-old Borris-Ileigh clubman made his senior debut in 2009 and went on to win three All-Ireland medals, five Munster titles and three All Stars.
Maher was named Young Hurler of the Year in 2010 and was a key player in the Tipp team that lifted the Liam McCarthy Cup that year.
The two-time All Ireland Minor winner was also part of the Under-21 team that beat Galway in an All-Ireland final in Thurles the following weekend.
Maher played in every championship game for Liam Sheedy's men this year with his last appearance coming in the All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Waterford.
Brendan Maher Retirement Announcement - https://t.co/daKmyf5JFB pic.twitter.com/In9PxScRn6
— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) August 12, 2021
Maher said in a statement: "After 13 years playing with Tipperary, I have decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from inter-county hurling.
"It was a huge honour and privilege for me to wear the Tipperary jersey and I am very grateful to have played with so many top-class players and to have enjoyed many successes with them.
"The inter-county game requires very significant commitment, and I am happy that I can look back on my career with no regrets having given everything that I could during my time with Tipperary.
"Firstly, I want to thank the Tipperary players sincerely, I have made lifelong friendships with so many of them. I am also very grateful to the managers and backroom teams who gave me so much support and guidance.
"As a player, I always received immense support from the Tipperary County Board, Tipperary Supporters Club and Associations, Tipperary team sponsors and the GPA.
"I want to thank all of them. Thanks also to the Tipperary supporters who I have always been so proud to represent.
"To my club, Borris-Ileigh, where it all began, a huge thank you. I look forward to what the next few years will bring as we continue our journey.
"My parents, Johnny and Anne, have done everything they possibly could to support and encourage me and there are no words to describe my gratitude to them.
"I have always looked up to my three older brothers, Sean, Declan, and Martin, to whom I am very grateful for instilling such self-belief and will to win in me.
"My nieces, nephews and extended family have always been very loyal supporters and I want to say thanks to all of them.
"I am very lucky to have had such constant support and encouragement from my fiancée, Aoife.
"She has helped me get through the toughest of times and being able to share so many wonderful moments with her has made it all extra special.
"Finally, I wish Tipperary all the very best for 2022 and beyond. I have no doubt that the players and management will do everything in their power to bring more success to the county in the years ahead."
