Three-time All-Ireland winner Brendan Maher has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
The Borris-Ileigh man enjoyed a hugely successful career with Tipperary, winning three All-Stars and being named named Young Hurler of the Year in 2010.
He played in six All-Ireland finals, which all came against Kilkenny, winning three and losing three.
Maher started for the Premier County in all of their Championship games this year, with his last appearance coming in Tipperary's All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Waterford.
He said in a statement: "After 13 years playing with Tipperary, I have decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from inter-county hurling.
"It was a huge honour and privilege for me to wear the Tipperary jersey and I am very grateful to have played with so many top-class players and to have enjoyed many successes with them. The inter-county game requires very significant commitment, and I am happy that I can look back on my career with no regrets having given everything that I could during my time with Tipperary.
"Firstly, I want to thank the Tipperary players sincerely, I have made lifelong friendships with so many of them. I am also very grateful to the managers and backroom teams who gave me so much support and guidance.
"As a player, I always received immense support from the Tipperary County Board, Tipperary Supporters Club and Associations, Tipperary team sponsors and the GPA. I want to thank all of them. Thanks also to the Tipperary supporters who I have always been so proud to represent.
"To my club, Borris-Ileigh, where it all began, a huge thank you. I look forward to what the next few years will bring as we continue our journey.
"My parents, Johnny and Anne, have done everything they possibly could to support and encourage me and there are no words to describe my gratitude to them. I have always looked up to my three older brothers, Sean, Declan, and Martin, to whom I am very grateful for instilling such self-belief and will to win in me. My nieces, nephews and extended family have always been very loyal supporters and I want to say thanks to all of them.
"I am very lucky to have had such constant support and encouragement from my fiancée, Aoife. She has helped me get through the toughest of times and being able to share so many wonderful moments with her has made it all extra special.
"Finally, I wish Tipperary all the very best for 2022 and beyond. I have no doubt that the players and management will do everything in their power to bring more success to the county in the years ahead."
The Tipperary County Board thanked Maher for for his "commitment, dedication and selflessness during his distinguished career at both underage and adult level".
They added: "Brendan led by example on and off the pitch and was hugely respected and admired by his fellow players and management teams.
"Brendan was instrumental in many of Tipperary’s successes and was someone who stood tall when the pressure to perform was at its highest level.
"We are extremely grateful to Brendan for his service to the county and we wish him the very best of good luck in the future."
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