One game at a time for wary Walsh

HEARING Tommy Walsh talk about the announcement of the Kilkenny team tomorrow night in terms of “if” he is picked and of being fearful of the challenge from Offaly in Sunday’s Leinster GAA championship semi-final, you could conclude that he was trying to pull the wool over your eyes. But you would be wrong.

Even though he would be considered an automatic choice at wing-back and it would be a sensation to see the All-Ireland champions dumped out, what he is really saying is that he takes nothing for granted. Deep down, you know that he knows Kilkenny are in a different league, but — in the way which mirrors the approach of manager Brian Cody — he recognises there is no certainty in sport.

The naming of the team will be interesting, not least for the fact that Henry Shefflin has finally fought his way back to full fitness following the knee injury which forced him off at half-time in the All-Ireland final against Limerick. Walsh, who has won All Star awards in defence, midfield and attack (and usually plays at midfield for Tullaroan) was asked if he had a favourite position.