Brian Barry
GAA Editor @BrianGBarry
Tipperary's Brendan Maher makes return from injury
Last Updated: 08/04/19 5:02pm
The Tipperary hurlers have received a significant boost ahead of the summer as 2016 All-Ireland winning captain Brendan Maher has returned to action following a long-term injury lay-off.
Maher, who suffered an ACL injury in Tipp's loss to Clare last summer, played for his club Borris-Ileagh as they overcame Clonoulty Rossmore in the club championship on Sunday. The 2017 Tipperary SHC finalists overcame last year's winners, 1-18 to 1-15.
The two-time All-Ireland winner's return to full fitness is a welcome boost to Liam Sheedy, ahead of the Munster Championship opener against Cork on May 12. Tipp still have a number of injury woes, with Michael Cahill, Conor Hammersley and Billy McCarthy ruled out for the season.
The Premier endured a mixed league campaign, which ultimately ended in defeat to Dublin at the quarter-final stage. However, Sheedy's return was always going to be judged by their championship showings, as the Munster side look to bounce back from a disappointing 2018 showing.
Many critics pointed to the lack of pace in the Tipp side during their springtime campaign, but the return of Maher is an undoubted boost in that department, and his experience could prove key given that a number of young players have broken into the squad.
