Enlisted as a private, and holding the rank of Lieutenant at his discharge from service, he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in May 1918 for his actions in France during the Battle of Broodseinde in October 1917.
[3][4] [Recommendation for the Award of Military Medal] During the operation at Broodseinde Ridge east of Ypres on 4th to 11th October 1917, this N.C.O.
His conduct throughout was splendid and his cheerful behaviour and fine exhibition of courage and endurance were a great example to his men and no doubt prevented the weaker ones from giving way under the continual strain.
[8] Recruited from Lilydale Football Club, he played his first game for Essendon in 1921, at the advanced age of 25, against Carlton at the East Melbourne Cricket Ground on 11 June 1921.
Maher was only 5'6" tall; and, along with six others — Jack Garden (5'5"), Charlie Hardy (5'3"), Vince Irwin (5'6"), George "Tich" Shorten (5'5"), Jimmy Sullivan (5'6"), and Rowley Watt (5'4")[9][10] — Maher was one of Essendon's legendary "mosquito fleet".
[11][12] According to some,[13] there were another two Essendon players that were diminutive enough to be considered to be "mosquitoes": Garnet Campbell (5'7½"), and Greg Stockdale (5'8").
[23] Ironically, Cashman resigned after serving only two games as Fitzroy's captain-coach, citing difficulties with members and supporters of the club,[24] and was immediately cleared to Carlton.
He was unable to continue coaching in 1937 due to a move to Sydney in late 1936 to take up new position with his employer.