Walsh has DCU hopes dashed – for now

A disappointed Aidan Walsh says he still holds out hope of lining out for DCU next season.

The Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) judged against the Cork midfielder and Donegal goalkeeper Michael Boyle’s appeal following a Higher Education Council rule.

Both players unsuccessfully argued against the rule, which prevents players who have enrolled in more than two college courses from representing a third level team.

“Hopefully, something can be done over the summer,” said Walsh. “It seems a bit extreme to bring in a rule so fast and a lot of people didn’t actually realise what it meant. Hopefully, it can be reviewed.”

Physical education and biology student Walsh is ruing the lost chance to line out with the likes of Dublin’s Paul Flynn and Donegal’s Michael Murphy.

“It took so long to get the decision. It’s just the way it goes, it’s disappointing. It’s a big thing but I didn’t come here solely to play football. I came here to get an education.

“I’d love to get the opportunity to play with fellas from all over the country because it’s a rare thing to do. That’s the biggest disappointment of it all.”

Walsh, who was a water-carrier for DCU yesterday, intends being involved with the team for the remainder of their Sigerson Cup campaign in a non-playing capacity.

“I’ll do the water and give a bit of advice to the midfielders. If [coach] Niall Moyna wants me to play my part I will.”