Picky Maher honoured as Joe McDonagh Hurler of the Year
Stephen Maher in action for Laois and Clough/Ballacolla
FEW players have carried the fortunes of Laois hurling as consistently over the last decade as Stephen ‘Picky’ Maher. A talismanic forward for Clough/Ballacolla and the Laois senior hurling team, Maher has become synonymous with excellence, resilience and leadership.
The 2026 season represented perhaps the crowning achievement of his career. Returning from injury, Maher inspired Laois to Joe McDonagh Cup glory, scoring 0-9 in the final victory over Carlow. His performances throughout the campaign earned him a place on the Joe McDonagh Team of the Year and culminated in him being named Joe McDonagh Hurler of the Year last night.
Maher made his senior inter-county debut for Laois in 2012 and has remained a central figure in the county's team ever since. His scoring prowess has been a constant feature of Laois teams that have competed with distinction in the Joe McDonagh Cup and National Hurling League.
“A player who made his debut in 2012, the Clough/Ballacolla sharpshooter has battled back from a series of serious injuries including ACL damage. He was the driving force behind the O’Moore men as they erased the pain of defeats in the previous two finals to beat Carlow in the 2026 decider, with Maher bagging 0-9 in the final,” said a GAA statement.
Even in his thirties, Maher remains a hugely influential figure. Whether leading Clough-Ballacolla's championship challenge or guiding a new generation of Laois hurlers, he continues to set the benchmark for commitment and performance.
For many supporters, Stephen ‘Picky’ Maher embodies modern Laois hurling: deeply committed to his club and county, and never afraid to overcome adversity. His legacy was already assured long before 2026, but the Joe McDonagh Hurler of the Year award merely confirmed what Laois people have known for years: Picky Maher is one of the county's all-time greats.
Maher was presented with his award by GPA CEO Tom Parsons, and Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns on a night when Laois also picked up seven Joe McDonagh Team of the Year selections.
