Aidan Walsh chooses hurling for 2015

Cork dual star Aidan Walsh has ended weeks of speculation and committed to playing only inter-county hurling next season.

Walsh played both codes for Cork this season, but admitted he found it a struggle and confirmed earlier this month he would play only one next year.

“Overall this year was very difficult,” Walsh said. “It’s something I can look back on and say I did it, but I don’t think I have any intention of doing it again for the coming year or for the rest of my career.

“I’d say I’ll just try to focus on one of them.”

He was expected to announce his decision this week and this morning confirmed he had chosen hurling.

He spoke to Cork 96fm’s Finbarr McCarthy about his decision.

“It was a very, very hard decision to make but I’m kind of happy now that it’s over with,” said Walsh. “I’m just looking forward to getting the head down and just getting into the alley now for the winter and hitting the ball off the wall and getting as much hurling as I can in to try to improve.”

The news will come as a disappointment to football boss Brian Cuthbert, but Walsh said the manager accepted his decision.

“I was talking to Brian and in fairness to him he was fully supportive of my decision.”

“He obviously was disappointed that I picked hurling but he’s like anyone — he’s a pure Cork GAA man,” continued Walsh “He just wished me luck and I wished him the best of luck and told him I hope they have more success and do very well this year.”

Walsh is looking forward to working under Jimmy Barry Murphy and is focused on improving on this season’s performance. The Leesiders won the Munster final, but were well beaten by Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final.

“Hopefully if we get the chance in 2015 we’ll put up a better display,” he said. “But like that I’m going to look forward to giving 100 per cent of the hurling.

“It’s going to be a massive challenge but one I’m really looking forward to.”

Hat tip: The Score