Cork star Walsh buoyant after International Rules experience

HAILED as the fittest player in the Ireland squad by physical trainer Mike McGurn, Aidan Walsh is hoping this year’s series is the beginning of a long and successful International Rules career.

The 21-year-old Cork midfielder was like a sponge for the last couple of weeks, absorbing all the information he could from his more experienced team-mates. With that knowledge stored, he’s already counting down to the next series, at home in 2013.

“I might never get to play with some of these lads again,” said the Kanturk man. “That (the second Test) was Tadhg Kennelly’s last game and fellas like him have been around for so long, and anything he says you’d take it in.

“In the training sessions, you try and bed yourself in as quickly as possible because you’re playing with and against some of the best players in the country. They are fellas you look up to and try and better. It’s been a great experience and hopefully it’ll be continued and I’ll be able to get another crack off it.”