Sad death of well known Edenderry sportsman and character
Edenderry man was a talented soccer player and footballer
THE death has taken place of a well known sportsman and character from Edenderry. Tony Maher, Kileden Lawn, Edenderry passed away at the weekend after a battle with illness.
He turned 75 years of age just a couple of weeks ago and was very well known throughout Offaly. A unique personality, he was a talented soccer and football player in his youth, though soccer was his game of choice.
He played for years for Edenderry Town Soccer Club in the 1970s and 1980s, winning medals and he was thrilled to be introduced into their hall of fame in 2017.
He was the player-manager when Edenderry Town won their first trophy, the Leinster Counties Cup in 1972 and they had a very successful run after this in the 1970s.
Originally from St Patrick's Road in Edenderry, he was also a good footballer, playing underage and adult football for Edenderry GAA Club. A skilful and accurate footballer, his early years co-incided with the end of the GAA's ban on soccer, rugby and other sports – it was removed from the GAA rule book in 1971 and with a less than idyllic relationship between the GAA and soccer in the years after this, particularly in towns, he didn't play as much football as he might have.
Soccer was his game of choice but his footballing ability is reflected by the fact that he got a couple of trials with the Offaly senior footballers, in the early 1970s and again in 1980. He got his chance in 1980 after an outstanding campaign for Edenderry in the 1979 Senior Football Championship – his county appearances were confined to challenge/tournament games. Edenderry beat eventual champions Walsh Island in the league stages – Walsh Island were then at the start of their great six in a row run – before losing to Rhode in the semi-final with Maher scoring 0-24 in their campaign.
He was outstanding as Edenderry won the 1972 U21 Football Championship, scoring eight points in their win over Ferbane. A naturally gifted player, he scored four points from centre half back as Edenderry won the Junior Football Championship in 1976.
Injuries also impacted on his football career and as a result, he missed the 1985 campaign when Edenderry won a crucial Senior Football Championship title. He finished out his football career as a goalkeeper and was on the panel that lost to Rhode in the 1989 Senior Football Championship semi-final – Edenderry were managed by one of his great friends, Seamus Darby who also played against his home club and brother Stephen in that game.
He retained a very close bond with a few Offaly footballers from that era, attending reunions of the 1982 All-Ireland senior football champions at home and abroad – he was on the Mediterranean cruise to mark the silver jubilee of their win in 2007 and he went to Turkey with them for their 40th anniversary reunion in 2022.
He was a very interesting individual. He served in the Air Corp for years before retiring out of that, he competed in equestrian show jumping events at home and abroad for years. He played golf and became a keen cyclist until his health went against him some years ago.
He had a much travelled existence. He lived in Tullamore for a number of years where he was a member of the Tullamore Cycling and Touring Club, he spent time abroad in Majorca where he brought visitors on cycling tours. He cycled all over Ireland and had a great passion for that outlet.
He had a great sense of fun, was a good conversationalist and good company. He loved sport and social interaction with people.
He returned to Edenderry in recent years, married Anda and loved engaging in nostalgia.
Predeceased by his parents Michael and Bridget, brother Philip, he is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his family; wife Anda, children Alan, Gordon and Nicola, brothers Michael, Liam, Paul and Noel, sister Lillian, grandchildren Alyssa, Adam, Jake, Jamie, Ryan, Mollie, Leah and Zoe, stepdaughter Beata and her husband NJ, daughters-in-law Caroline and Triona, son-in-law Noel, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Tony will repose at Larkin's Funeral Home Edenderry (Eircode R45 VK24) on Monday from 5pm - 7pm with Rosary at 7pm. Funeral Mass on Tuesday at 11am in St. Mary's Church Edenderry followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery.