My Great-Grandfather: Jackie Maher of Nodstown – by Rachel O’Dwyer

Primary Children's Competition

My Great-Grandfather – Jackie Maher of Nodstown

Jackie Maher was born on 8/2/1916 in Nodstown. He was the eldest of 3 brothers and 5 sisters. Their names were Tommy (died aged 5), Billy, Annie (Sr. Anne), Martin (also known as Sonny), Mona & Josie (twins), Noreen and Flossie.

He was a member of the victorious Boherlahan Senior Hurling Team of 1941 who defeated Annacarty on a scoreline of 2-2 to 0-6. This match was played in Thurles on November 30th 1941. Jackie did not start the match but came on after a few minutes for Captain Philly O’Dwyer who was troubled with a knee injury. Jackie was playing at corner forward.

He married Mary Corcoran (also known as Mem) from Suir Cottage, Holycross on 24/9/1946. They met at The Two Ford Bridge in Bohernacrusha. Mem worked in J.K Moloney's in Thurles before they got married. This was a large drapery shop in Liberty Square, where Supermacs is now located.

They had 7 children, John, Kathleen, Timmy, Kieran, Michael, Liam and Mary. Liam wore the Tipperary jersey during the 1980’s. He played in the Centenary Munster Final of 1984 where they were very unlucky to lose to Cork. He was also a member of the Boherlahan-Dualla Senior Hurling Team of 1996 who defeated Toomevara in the County Final. Liam scored the winning point.

Jackie was not only a hurler, he was a mixed farmer too! He loved animals and was more than happy to work with them.

His son John continued the farming tradition when their father became ill. He was then joined by his brother Kieran. Jackie died on the 28/9/1966 aged 50. Mem died almost 40 years later on the 23/7/2006, aged 88. They are both buried in Ardmayle Graveyard.


Rachel O'Dwyer, 4th class, St.Isidores N.S., Boherlahan.



Above is Jackie with his eldest son John.



More photos below – click to expand.