Ronan Maher's experience and ability will be crucial for Tipperary hurlers this year

Last year was one of transition for Tipperary hurling, when one of the few constants was the level of consistency displayed by Ronan Maher, who has been chosen for an Annerville sports award.

He was in superb form in defence as the team made a flying start to the national league, winning their first five matches. They beat Laois, Kilkenny, Dublin, Waterford and Antrim in that 100 percent start to the season, and his timely hook to deny Calum Lyons a goal chance in the game against Waterford helped the team to a 4-23 to 0-25 victory.

After losing to Limerick in the league semi-final, it was onto the Munster championship. An opening day victory over Clare was followed by exciting draws with Cork and Limerick, and although Tipperary were well beaten by Waterford in their final group game they succeeded in righting the wrongs of the previous year by emerging from the provincial championship and qualifying for the All-Ireland championship.

A landslide win over Offaly set the team up for a crack at Galway in the All-Ireland quarter-final, and despite a solid display from Ronan Maher, which included a point from the vice captain, Tipp bowed out of the championship when they lost by two points.

His sterling performances throughout the season were recognised when he was one of only three Tipperary players nominated for an All-Star award, alongside Noel McGrath and Jake Morris.

On the club scene Ronan was captain of Thurles Sarsfields when they went all the way to the county senior final, only to be beaten by Kildangan after a replay.

The experience and ability of the 28-year-old will be crucial once again this season, as a relatively inexperienced team and panel that’s still finding its feet embarks upon its league and championship campaigns.

The Tipperary Sports Stars of the Year will receive their Annerville awards, sponsored by Bulmers, from the Tipperary United Sports Panel at the Talbot Hotel Clonmel next Saturday night, January 27. Some tickets are still available from Sports Panel Treasurer Ken Conway, tel. 087-6784510.