Following the news recently of a changing of the guard in captaincy of the Tipperary senior hurling panel, the news was received to widespread acclaim as congratulatory best wishes poured forth for incoming Captain Padraic Maher (Thurles Sarsfields) and Vice-Captain Seamus Callanan (Drom & Inch) as well as a huge amount of praise and recognition for Brendan Maher (Borris-Ileigh) who has served supremely as Captain for the last three years.
Padraic Maher who recently received his fourth GAA/GPA All-Star Award (2009, 2011, 2014 and 2016) also holds 2 All-Ireland SH medals (2010 and 2016), 5 Munster SH medals (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016), 1 All-Ireland U21 Hurling medal as Captain (2010), 2 Munster U21 Hurling medals (2008 and 2010 [as Captain]), 2 All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals (2006 and 2007) and 1 Munster Minor Hurling medal (2007). Padraic was nominated as Hurler of the Year in 2011 and 2016. He brings a wealth of experience to the captaincy and we wish him every success in his time in the role.
In Seamus Callanan, Padraic has a formidable ally as both are well established, admired and solid senior members of the hurling panel. Seamus won his third GAA/GPA All-Star Award recently (2014, 2015 and 2016). He holds 2 All-Ireland SH medals (2010 and 2016, 6 Munster SH medals (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016) and 1 NHL medal (2008). Seamus was nominated as Hurler of the Year in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and he was also nominated as Young Hurler of the Year in 2008. Competing at an exceptionally high standard for a number of years now, the determination shown by Seamie will be a key motivational factor no doubt in ensuring continued success at the highest levels for him and Tipperary.
Every accolade that falls the way of Brendan Maher are fully deserved and merited. Brendan has not alone shown but has proven to be a fantastic leader to Tipperary teams in his term as Captain. He has been a pivotal figurehead the go to talisman to drive his side on each time he took to the field. Selfless and committed in his work rate, his solid focus and determination are key hallmarks of his game. Brendan is thanked for his enormous contribution as Captain and he will continue to be a rock to Paidi and Seamie in the years ahead. To date Brendan holds 2 All-Ireland SH medals (2010 and 2016 [as captain]), 5 Munster SH medals (2009, 2011, 2012, 2015 and 2016 [captain in ’15 & ’16]), 1 All-Ireland U21 Hurling medal (2010), 2 Munster U21 Hurling medals (2008 and 2010) and 2 All-Ireland Minor Hurling medals (2006 and 2007 [captain]) and 1 Munster Minor Hurling medal (2007 captain). Brendan was also Young Hurler of the Year in 2010.
As well as announcing the Captaincy roles going forward, the Tipperary SH management team also released a 41 strong pre-season training panel as they get ready to go again for the new campaign of 2017.
TIPPERARY PHOTO AND CALENDAR LAUNCH
At the SH and MH medal presentation ceremony function last weekend the launch also took place of the sale of the official Tipperary SH team photograph and also an official Tipperary GAA calendar containing iconic images of our senior and minor hurlers and senior footballers in action this year as well as GAA/GPA All-Star Award photographs. All enquires for SH team photographs should be made to Tim Floyd, Co. Secretary secretary.tipperary@gaa.ie, 087 2591747 or any county board officer of SH team panellist.
The official calendar costing €10 is on sale in Lar na Pairce, Thurles and it is hoped it will be on sale in most towns around the county very shortly.
