Former Tipperary minor manager William Maher has been appointed as the new National Head of Hurling by the GAA.
Maher has been involved as a coach and team manager at club and county levels in Tipperary, Waterford, Dublin, Laois and Kilkenny, and the Ballingarry club man has the unique distinction of being captain of his county when they won the All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship in 1996, before later managing the Tipp minors to secure the same title in 2012.
GAA president Jarlath Burns announced in September that a new role of a National Head of Hurling would be created with the long-term goal of expanding the number of hurling counties competing for Liam MacCarthy by 2034, the association's 150th anniversary.
"Hurling has always played a hugely important role in my life. I am excited by the challenge of growing and sustaining the game, and also exploring opportunities to work alongside the Camogie Association in the development of our games," said Maher.
"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."
"I am delighted that a person of the caliber and experience of William Maher is to be our new National Head of Hurling," said 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."
