Walsh hails hurling switch

SHANE WALSH has adapted from big ball to small in recent years with Waterford, and he’s frank about the challenge.

“It takes a couple of years to settle down. If you work hard in training, it might take a couple of years but it will pay off.

“I’d love to play both codes but it is not practical. The commitment that is involved … it is just not practical.”

Walsh’s best memory as a footballer was winning an U21 Munster final, but with the hurlers he’s seen brighter days again, though the level of effort demanded at senior level is incredibly high. Even in the full-forward line.

“You have to work forward throughout the whole game. You have to come out and cover the half backs. When you don’t have the ball, you have to work hard to try and get it. When the ball does come in, you have to do your best to try and win it and get a score.”