Paddy Maher 1928-2014
Born in Nenagh in 1928 Paddy Maher attended the local national school. He went to Dublin to complete his education in Marino College and qualified as a national teacher in 1948. For the next ten years he taught in Dublin and played an active part in promoting Gaelic games at primary school level. It was at this time he became deeply involved in church music and he maintained an interest right up to his passing.
Following his years in Dublin, he spent a short time teaching in Ballacolla, County Laois, and Kilcommon before taking up an appointment as principal in Moneygall National School. He immersed in the affairs of Moneygall club and also in the affairs at divisional and county level in Bord na n’Og. During that time he served as chairman of both North and county Bord na n’Og. His great work at juvenile level in Moneygall was finally rewarded in 1976 when Moneygall won the North and County under -12 hurling titles, coached by Paddy and Seamus O’Riain.
In 1969, he was appointed as secretary of Moneygall GAA club. For the next ten years he committed himself completely to the affairs of Moneygall. With Seamus O’Riain as chairman and Paddy as secretary, the club enjoyed its most successful period ever, enjoying much success on the playing field and seeing the building of the club centre, which was one of the first of its kind in Tipperary. The club was also awarded Club of the year in 1976. In 1980 the club was awarded Club of the year in a nationwide awards scheme sponsored by Allied Irish Banks.
In 1977, Paddy was appointed secretary of North Tipperary Board following the retirement of Donie Nealon. For the next thirteen years he filled that position with great efficiency and dedication and won many admirers for his committed work. During those years he also played a prominent role in county affairs and was a dedicated member of Semple stadium committee for many years including being actively involved at committee level in the organising the Centenary All –Ireland final preparations when Cork played Offaly in the All-Ireland decider.
In 1988, Paddy retired from his teaching position in Moneygall. He continued as North Board secretary for another year before stepping down. He was replaced by Michael O’Brien. He continued his interest in GAA affairs and followed the progress of club and county teams at all levels.
In 1998, Bishop Willie Walsh and his local parish of Dunkerrin and Moneygall honoured him for fifty years involvement in church music an outstanding contribution by any standards.
We extend our sympathy to his family Kevin, Colm, Fionnuala, Eithne, Michael, Imelda and Diarmaid, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, his sister Mary Egan, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.
Championships Senior Hurling
The Hibernian Inn North Tipperary Senior Hurling championship game between Nenagh Eire Og versus Kildangan scheduled for last Sunday evening did not go ahead due to the sad passing of Oliver Tucker, uncle of Nenagh midfielder Kevin Tucker. Oliver was a former player with Nenagh Eire Og. Instead the game will now go ahead this Sunday evening with Dolla the venue and throw in 6.30pm. The referee is Ger Fitzpatrick.
In addition the second Hibernian Inn North Tipperary Senior Hurling championship quarter final between Burgess v Moneygall will be played on Sunday afternoon at 2.30pm at MacDonagh Park, Nenagh. Philip Kelly will be the man in the middle.
The remaining championship quarter final between Borris-Ileigh and Toomevara will be played at a later date depending on how Tipperary hurlers and footballers fare in the All-Ireland Qualifiers over the coming weeks. Kilruane MacDonaghs are through to the quarter finals but must wait for the winners of the play-off encounter between Ballina and Portroe which is also delayed due to the Qualifiers.
Watch Centre North Tipp Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Round 1 GROUP 1
The meeting between holders Knockshegowna and Templederry planned for Ballingarry last Saturday was not played due to a death in Templederry. The game will now be played on Friday 27th with a 7.30pm throw in.
The other games were played.
Results:
Toomevara 2-13 Borrisoleigh 1-10
Kilruane MacDonaghs 5-24 Moneygall 1-3
Watch Centre North Tipp Junior ‘A’ hurling Championship GROUP 2
The local derby encounter between Burgess and Silvermines in Kilcolman was not played due to the sad passing of Oliver Tucker. The match is re-scheduled for Saturday 28th in Kilcolman. One game was played: Kildangan 4-14 Roscrea 0-10.
Nenagh Eire Og received a bye.
Watch Centre North Tipp Junior ‘B’ hurling Championship GROUP 1
Since the Junior B draw was made, Borrisokane have withdrawn from the competition and have been replaced by Kildangan in Group1.
Two games are planned for the weekend. On Friday 27th June, Borris-Ileigh face Kildangan and on Saturday 28th June Ballina play Lorrha Dorrha.
Watch Centre North Tipp Junior ‘B’ hurling Championship GROUP 1
In Group 2, Newport face Ballinahinch and Portroe take on Nenagh Éire Óg.
Ger Gavin North Tipperary Hurling Championship
Five Minor Hurling championship games will be played next week. The Minor A grade will provide three pairings with history makers, Nenagh Eire Og travelling to Toomevara on Tuesday 24th. On Thursday 26th Ballina v Newport Gaels plus Kilruane MacDonaghs v Borris-Ileigh. See fixtures for venues and times.
Ger Gavin North Tipperary Minor B Hurling Championship
June 24th Portroe v Lorrha and on Thursday 26th Kildangan v Borrisokane.
County Poc Fada Finals
The County finals of the Long Puck will take place on Saturday 28th June in the Galtee Mountains. Clubs are encouraged to take part. Last Darren Cuddihy won the senior title.
