AIB, proud supporter of the GOAL Mile, has today teamed up with former Kilkenny hurler Walter Walsh to encourage communities in Ireland to ‘Step Up Together’ and take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas.
By Cian O'Connell
It has been a hectic month for Walter Walsh.
Recently retired from inter-county action, Walsh and his wife Vicky recently welcomed twins to the family.
So, there has been plenty to do away from hurling. "It has been busy alright, one of my more busy months, alright," Walsh laughs. "There is a lot going on.
"It is busy, we were thrown in at the deep end with twins. It is all going great, it is brilliant, Charlie and Kate, a boy and a girl, they are doing great.
"They're healthy, that is all you really want as a parent. Everything is going great."
Following his departure from Kilkenny duty, Walsh has received a high volume of messages. The respect and appreciation is mutual. "It is very, very humbling," Walsh responds.
Kilkenny's Walter Walsh in action during the 2023 All-Ireland SHC Final against Limerick at Croke Park. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
"You wouldn't believe how many people would actually text you when you retire, I still have a load of messages to open.
"I haven't got a chance to, I want to give people time, the people writing to me, because you wouldn't believe the impact you had on so many different people.
"They are taking time to write to you, it is a very humbling couple of days, definitely, since I announced my retirement."
Has Walsh reflected much on his Kilkenny career since stepping away? "I haven't reflected a whole lot yet, I think that will come in time," Walsh says.
"Maybe because I'm busy with different things, I haven't had a chance to reflect. I hope to reflect with lots of positivity, it was a dream of mine, playing with Kilkenny. I got to do that for 12 years, it has been brilliant."
The senior debut in the 2012 All-Ireland SHC Final replay against Galway was a remarkable entrance. "Yeah, definitely, to make the debut in an All-Ireland final was mad really," Walsh responds.
Kilkenny's Walter Walsh celebrates after scoring a goal in the 2012 All-Ireland SHC Final replay against Galway at Croke Park. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
"Looking back it was a massive achievement, a great achievement, we won the All-Ireland. In my first four years we won three All-Irelands, you maybe think that is going to continue on for your whole career.
"That wasn't the case, it just shows you how competitive the game is, and will continue to be."
Between the draw and replay did Walsh sense that a Croke Park start was imminent? "We played an U21 All-Ireland, I think it was the week after the first All-Ireland," Walsh recalls.
"I played on that team, Clare beat us in that game. I don't remember much about the lead up, the training, I definitely didn't think I was going to be starting or playing to be completely honest. I had never played before either.
"My focus just turned straight to the U21 All-Ireland, trying to win that. Then, training I couldn't imagine we trained too hard in the next two weeks after the U21 All-Ireland.
"So, I can't remember what exactly went on, I just remember when my name was announced on the Friday to be starting. Everyone was shocked in the room and so was I."
