Brian Hogan says it was a "shock" to the Tipperary hurling panel when Paudie Maher sent a message to the team's WhatsApp group announcing that he would be retiring from the game.
"We were expecting him to come back," said the Tipperary goalkeeper at the launch of the 2022 Allianz Leagues.
"Obviously he wanted to come back too."
On Tuesday morning, Maher confirmed that due to a neck injury, and on medical advice, he would be retiring from all contact sport. His inter-county and club hurling careers were over at just 32.
Ken Hogan, Brian's father, and a two-time All-Ireland winner, says Maher will be remembered as a Tipperary legend.
"First of all, an unorthodox hurler," says Hogan.
"The left hand on top. Not too many fullbacks from Tipperary have played with that style of play. Definitely a swashbuckling style. Savage man under a high ball. A will to win every ball.
"We saw him first of all in 2006, and he came up against the great Joe Canning in the All-Ireland minor final. That was a huge game for him, because Joe Canning was heading for his third All-Ireland in a row. That was a huge win for Tipperary. And obviously he played minor under Liam Sheedy. Brilliant to win two minor All-Irelands.
"But then to obviously come onto the Tipperary senior set-up in 2009 as a 20-year-old, playing as a fullback again. He didn't pick him easily - the great Henry Shefflin was full-forward in 2009, how he acquitted himself so well, won his first All-Star award.
"And then of course 2010 was the dream year for Paudie, coming onto a Tipperary team that won U21 and senior honours. Particularly an outstanding captain for myself as [U21] manager. Great leader.
"We had the famous five - three Mahers, Patrick, Brendan and Paudie - Michael Cahill and Noel McGrath. All U21s that played in that senior All-Ireland and contributed hugely. From that perspective, what a generation of hurlers.
"But Paudie, what a leader, what a driver of men. And most of all, he led by example. He put his body on the line and every time and contributed hugely."
This is the 30th season that Allianz has sponsored the Allianz Leagues, making it one of the longest sponsorships in Irish sport. Pictured at the launch at Lorrha Abbey are Tipperary goalkeeper Brian Hogan and his father, former Tipperary goalkeeper Ken Hogan, who played in the first year of the Allianz sponsorship. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Maher played senior hurling with Tipperary for 13 years, winning three All-Irelands and six All-Stars.
"It was unbelievable to be able to play with Paudie Maher," says Brian Hogan.
"In goals, as a goalkeeper, the amount of confidence he brings me when he's in the full-back line or in the half-back line, the presence that he has, the leadership that he brings was unbelievable.
"The hurler he was, fielding ball, putting the body on the line. Sometimes a forward comes in, taking a shot on you, you're expecting a shot coming and the next thing Paudie Maher gets his body in the way.
"A true leader, a true gentleman and he gave everything for Tipperary."
Take a bow Paudie Maher for an incredible career with your club and county. Adored in Tipperary and admired everywhere for what he did on a hurling pitch. His work ethic was off the charts and gave so much to his fellow players👏👏👏👏 https://t.co/DcllNNNrNS
— Liam Sheedy (@LiamLsheedy) February 1, 2022
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