AIDAN WALSH WILL commence life as a Cork dual senior player tonight when he links up to train with Jimmy Barry-Murphy’s hurling squad.
The Cork hurlers returned to training for the 2014 campaign last week after their team holiday. They will have the services of three dual players this season – Walsh, Eoin Cadogan and Damien Cahalane, who is currently recovering from injury.
On Sunday, Walsh and Cadogan were both part of the Cork football team that won the McGrath Cup against Kerry. Cadogan has plenty hurling experience but Walsh is getting set to sample the game at senior level for the first time.
He has showcased his potential at U21 and Fitzgibbon Cup level, and is now relishing the chance to get to work.
“It’s exciting. It’s always a great place to be. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for the last few years and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I know it’s going to be very tough but I said I’d have a cut of it this year and see how I go.”
Walsh admitted the finer details of his schedule over the coming months have yet to be ironed out. The Cork footballers have seven Division 1 league games between February 2nd and April 6th while the Cork hurlers have five Division 1B league matches between February 15th and March 23rd.
Aidan Walsh (right) in action on Sunday
Pic: INPHO/Donall Farmer
There are two weekends where both sides in action. On March 9th the footballers face Derry while the hurlers take on Offaly. On March 16th the footballers meet Mayo and the hurlers are in action against Antrim.
“I’m going to play it by ear really”, says Walsh. “I’ll have to see how it goes. Whatever Cubby (Brian Cuthbert) and Jimmy Barry (Murphy) decide. We haven’t really talked about it yet. We’ll just see.”
And here’s a reminder from the 2011 Bord Gáis Energy Munster U21 hurling final of what Walsh is capable of.
YouTube: iamskittles88
Clips of both:
https://youtu.be/Ts8lz491GT4
https://youtu.be/zfKddOX0nos
@Miguel Sanchez: they’ve just updated the article to include clips
It cannot be emphasised enough how important this game is for Cork – a Munster title and promotion from Division 3 would be a fantastic year for the footballers
Would’ve thought Shane Walsh would have done something similar to what Sweeney done in the Mayo game to level it instead of passing it and eventually losing the ball