1. Tommy as a young lad from Tullaroan starting out back in 2002
2. He was in the wars over the years with the blood and scars to prove it
The league in 2003…
And the league in 2013.
3. Walsh’s underage days saw him win All-Ireland U21 hurling titles with Kilkenny in 2003 and 2004
4. He started out his Kilkenny career in attack, evenutally hitting the net here past Brendan Cummins in 2003
5. A first All-Ireland senior hurling win arrived later over Cork in 2003
6. Walsh also lined out for college outfit UCC
In the Fitzgibbon Cup against Limerick IT in 2004…
And in the Cork senior hurling semi-final against Cloyne and Diarmuid O’Sullivan in 2005.
7. There was also the pain of losing All-Ireland finals, like this game against Cork in 2004
8. Plenty All-Ireland wins were in store for the future
2006 against Cork…
2007 against Limerick…
2009 against Tipperary…
And 2011 against Tipperary.
9. In 2008, Walsh captained Leinster to win the Interprovincial championship
10. His small stature didn’t stop him facing imposing attackers
Going up against Waterford’s Seamus Prendergast…
And Galway’s Iarla Tannian.
11. He won so many, many Allstars – nine successive awards between 2003 and 2011 in five different positions
2007 with Nicky Brennan…
And 2010 with Christy Cooney.
12. In 2009, Tommy was crowned Hurler of the Year
He’s here with 2009 Footballer of the Year Paul Galvin.
13. Those Allstars brought plenty trips like this NYC taxi ride with Galway’s Alan Kerins
14. Walsh’s aerial abliity was stunning to watch like this brilliant example from the 2011 final
15. Tommy also turned his hand to playing shinty for Ireland over the years
16. Tommy’s combative approach saw him involved with match officials as well
17. In 2012 he became the hunted as Lar Corbett followed him around Croke Park
18. Last summer saw him show a unique new hurling penalty tactic
19. He wasn’t averse to having the craic with other hurlers off the field
20. He had one manager over the years and there was plenty moments to celebrate with Cody.
21. In September, Tommy signed off on a winning note with Henry
22. And he’s passed the Kilkenny hurling baton on to his brother Padraig