In early 2009, he agreed a move to League of Ireland club St Patrick's Athletic, going on to enjoy a fine UEFA Europa League run as they defeated Valletta (Malta) – the opening leg seeing Maher pick up the Man of the Match award – and Krylia Sovetov (Russia) before bowing out to Steaua Bucharest (Romania).

In February 2010, he moved to Dundalk and, having been deployed as a right-back with the Saints, he reverted to his preferred midfield role at Oriel Park.

That was not before earning the Man of the Match award following an outstanding performance as captain – aged just 22 – against Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League tie.

However, having found full fitness, Monaghan announced on 18 June that they would be withdrawing from the league, leaving 24-year-old Maher as a free agent.

[5] In September 2014 while on as a substitute against Derry City Maher suffered a broken leg which forced him to miss the rest of the season.