Patrick 'Bonner' Maher calls time on Tipperary career

Tipperary's Patrick 'Bonner' Maher has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

The three-time All-Ireland winner was one of the county’s greatest servants.

He suffered anterior cruciate ligament and Achilles injuries in the latter stages of his career but battled back to full fitness and played a big role with the squad in recent seasons.

A two-time All-Star, Maher - 35 next week - also holds five Munster medals.

He said: "After 16 years as a Tipperary senior hurler I have decided that the time is right for me to announce my retirement from inter-county hurling.

"It has been a dream come true for me to have had the privilege and honour to wear the Tipperary jersey.

"I want to thank each and every player I had the opportunity to share the dressing room with, I will cherish the friendships made over the years and all the great memories."

Tipperary GAA paid tribute to Maher: "Tipperary GAA wish to thank Patrick for his outstanding commitment to the blue and gold jersey throughout the course of his career, and for the many great memories that he has left us all with.

"Patrick contributed in no small way to some of Tipperary's great days and on behalf of all Tipperary supporters we wish him the very best of good fortune for the future."

Last year Maher scored a goal to help his native Lorrha earn back-to-back promotions when they won the intermediate hurling final replay against Thurles Sarsfields.