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Staying on! A 16th season beckons in 2018 for Waterford senior hurling veteran

Michael Walsh started out with Waterford in 2003.

FOR A 16TH season Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh will be part of the Waterford senior hurling squad in 2018.

Michael Walsh and John Hansbury Michael Brick Walsh won his fourth All-Star award this year. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

The good news for Waterford fans about the long-serving Stradbally man was confirmed by manager Derek McGrath last night.

McGrath was speaking on local radio station WLR FM and the availability of Walsh is a major boost as this year’s All-Ireland finalists get set for another season.

Walsh enjoyed a terrific 2017 campaign as his individual displays saw him claim his fourth All-Star award while earlier this month he collected his tenth Waterford senior football medal with his club Stradbally.

Stephen Hurley and Michael Walsh Walsh pictured in action for Stradbally against Castlehaven in the 2012 Munster semi-final. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

“Unlike some dual players, not only does he love where he’s from, he really likes the other aspect to the football,the physicality of it,” stated McGrath.

“It’s very easy to sustain his fitness then over the winter while he’s with Stradbally. Michael loves winning more than anything else and that’s the mentality he brings to our team.

Michael Walsh of Waterford evades the Cork defence Michael Walsh hit the net against Cork in August. Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O'Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

“At last he’s beginning to get the credit nationally he deserves. For me he’s the best team player who’s ever played with Waterford.”

Walsh, who will turn 35 next year, began playing for the Waterford senior side in 2003. Before this year he won All-Star awards in 2007, 2009 and 2010 while he has three Munster senior medals to his credit from the 2004, 2007 and 2010 campaigns.

Dan Shanahan and Michael Walsh after the game Dan Shanahan and Michael Walsh after this year's All-Ireland semi-final against Cork. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

The Stradbally man was a National League winner as well in 2007 and 2015.

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