Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy hails return of 'ultimate leader' Brendan Maher

Tipperary hurling manager Liam Sheedy has praised Brendan Maher after the 2016 All-Ireland winning captain has worked his way back to fitness in time for the championship.

Maher, who suffered a cruciate injury playing against Clare last summer, missed the remainder of 2018 and is yet to feature for the Premier this year.

However, after returning to action with his club Borris-Ileagh, the 30-year-old is back in contention to don the blue and gold jersey.

"Even his body shape for a guy that suffered such a serious injury, it shows his attention to detail," said Sheedy. "He really has minded himself. He's a proper athlete who takes every part of his preparation really, really seriously.

"He's hit all of the dates in terms of his rehab and he is in great shape. For anyone that did take the time to watch when he was playing against Clonoulty, this guy is back at full-pace. He seems very, very solid on his knee.

"It's not alone what he brings on the pitch, but what he brings in a room. He's the ultimate leader. He's a really, really good guy to have around the place.

"His leadership skills have to been to the fore in the last number of weeks off the pitch, but now it's great to see him back in and available for selection."

Sheedy went on to acknowledge that at Maher's stage of his career, it was all the more difficult to return.

"It requires massive discipline. It's very easy nowadays to let your body go or do the wrong thing. But from the time he got injured he was very serious about getting back on the pitch and getting to the top level again.

"I'm delighted for Brendan. In any county or in any team you want to have all of your players available for selection.

"Brendan has been an outstanding player and for the game of hurling I think to have players like Brendan on the pitch is always good.

"Thankfully he's available for selection."

Tipp head for Lee-side on Sunday week to take on Cork in the Munster opener. After failing to finish in the province's top three in 2018, the Premier will be hungry to get off to the best possible start against their great rivals at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

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