Harty Cup: Another Maher looking to secure place in Thurles GAA folklore this weekend

The name Maher and the town of Thurles are synonymous with one another, and Thurles CBS captain Tommy Maher is just the latest in a long line of that particular clan who is close to creating further history in this weekend’s Harty Cup final.

Maher is no stranger to success and as recently as two weekends ago he played a big part in the Thurles Sarsfields U21 team winning the de facto county championship crown in Clonoulty after a good win over Mullinahone, so his own personal confidence will be soaring as he gets set to grace the hallowed turf of FBD Semple Stadium, which every Thurles hurler dreams of growing up.

He was the head of an incredibly clinical and powerful display in the semi-final win over Midleton CBS in Mallow last Saturday week, and with one sided games few and far between at this stage of such a prestigious competition, and coupled with the fact they faced a school with such a brilliant pedigree at this stage; having won the Dr Harty Cup as recently as 2019.

“It was a great performance by the lads in the semi-final against Midleton, but that won’t get us over the line the next day. We’ll be up against a much superior team and I think it will be a tough battle,” Maher insisted after being asked about the semi-final demolition.

It will be hard for a lot of players to distinguish friend from foe when throw-in happens this Sunday and the familiarity the young players will have with one another should add to the intrigue for those in attendance on the day, as Maher expects there to be an intense contest as a result.

“I haven’t played much against Cashel with the school but with the club, yes,” he admitted.

“You would be familiar with the lads, and different lads are in county squads, so we would be familiar enough with them, as they will be with us. It’s going to be a good battle.

“I’m starting the mock (Leaving Cert) exams next Wednesday (February 1), so I’m preparing for them now as best I can.

“I suppose the Harty is to the fore.

“We’re kept busy between everything. It’s great to be in everything at the moment,” he said.

Thurles CBS manager Eamon Buckley spoke about the furore that has infected the school over the year when Harty Cup finals were on the horizon, and young Maher believes that the fact that the game is in Tom Semple’s field has added another level of excitement for students and staff alike as the game slowly creeps into view.

“It’s very good to have the final in FBD Semple Stadium, it’s the biggest game and the biggest day and it should be played in the biggest stadium,” he remarked gleefully.

“There’s great excitement building in the school.

“All the young lads are mad about Thurles CBS, and for the teachers as well, hurling is all over the school.

“Everyone’s in great form at the moment and we’re just happy to bring a bit of joy to the school,” he finished.