DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan | Martin Comerford | Brendan Cummins
Ronan Curran | Gar Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Eoin Kelly
Eoin Larkin | Fergus McMahon | Andrew Mitchell | Pat Mulcahy
Sean Óg Ó Hailpin | Ben O'Connor | Joe Rabbite | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | Tommy Walsh
At just 21 years of age it seems like Tommy Walsh has done it all. He has
All-Ireland senior and U21 hurling medals for 2003 and has reached the finals of both again in 2004. His exploits in last year’s Senior Hurling Championship earned him his first All-Star award.
Despite Kilkenny’s shock defeat to Wexford in the Leinster semi-final, the Cats have come through the Qualifiers in fine style to reach yet another All-Ireland final. Tommy Walsh played a significant role in this recovery and his display against Galway in the quarter-final was one of the best ever in the black and amber of Kilkenny. The Tullaroan top cat is in the form of his life and has his sights set on further success at county and inter-county level.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the All-Ireland U21 title last year when we beat Galway. All the lads were the same age and we had been playing together for years, that’s why it meant so much.
Which is the toughest team you have ever faced?
The hardest match I’ve ever played was the Leinster semi-final against Wexford
this year.
Who was your toughest ever marker?
Eamonn Corcoran of Tipperary, because of his huge determination.
How do you balance your studies and hurling?
I have a month off from my studies in UCC every April so I usually start training then, so the only thing I miss is fitness training. I have to go back to Cork for my exams but I have plenty of time to devote myself to hurling after that.
Which players do you admire the most?
JJ Delaney and Henry Shefflin
Who was your childhood sporting hero?
Liam Keown
What are your hopes for the future?
I think the biggest challenge is to stay competing at the highest level with Kilkenny. We didn’t win anything with UCC so hopefully next year. I’ve won two senior leagues with Tullaroan but we’ve been beaten in the last five quarter-finals of the Championship, so I’m hoping to improve on this.
Who are your biggest rivals at county level?
Graigue-Ballycallan
What advice would you give to young players coming through the ranks?
Believe in yourself at all time even when things aren’t going well. Also, whoever works the hardest usually comes out on top in the end.
© September 2004
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