Tipperary’s Willie Maher has been appointed as the GAA’s new national head of hurling.
The Ballingarry clubman captained Tipperary to All-Ireland minor glory in 1996 and later repeated the feat with the Premier County as manager in 2012.
Maher has built up extensive coaching experience in recent years, including managing Cuala to Dublin senior hurling titles in 2019 and 2020. Most recently he was in charge of the Laois senior hurlers between 2023-24.
“It gives me great pride to be appointed to the role of National Head of Hurling. As with many people across Ireland and beyond, hurling has always played a hugely important role in my life,” said Maher.
“I am excited by the challenge of growing and sustaining the game of hurling, and also exploring opportunities to work alongside the Camogie Association in the development of our games.
“I fully appreciate the magnitude of this role and how the needs of our hurling population vary across the country and look forward to working alongside all stakeholders to fully develop our games.”
The Hurling Development Committee (HDC), of which Maher was a member, announced in September that a new full-time head of hurling was to be appointed.
“I am delighted that a person of the calibre and experience of William Maher is to be our new National Head of Hurling,” said GAA president Jarlath Burns.
“This is a crucially important post that will be at the heart of our strategy to protect the game where it thrives and promote it where it needs to be nurtured and developed.
“Hurling is our national sport, acknowledged internationally by Unesco. We are committed to ensuring that William and the HDC have the ability make a significant impact and to give as many people as possible the opportunity to play and enjoy this national treasure.”
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