Thanks for the memories Tommy,one of the greatest

mooncat (Kilkenny) - Posts: 533 - 20/11/2014 10:55:51    1673574

We will miss Tommy! My favourite player of this Cats generation, and one of the greatest players of all time beyond doubt. Backs just do not get the same kudos :-(

hurlingdub (Dublin) - Posts: 6978 - 20/11/2014 11:10:21    1673584

A class act alright. Would be one of first names on Kilkenny team sheet a few years ago I'd say and probably the right time to bow out.
He was the benchmark for several years.
Enjoy the retirement.

Dubh_linn (Dublin) - Posts: 2312 - 20/11/2014 11:18:59    1673590

I certainly couldnt be accused of describing a sportsman as a "legend" too often.The name is bandied about like confetti at a weddding these days,often to undeserving recipients.However,yesterday we had one down in Kerry.And today,another colossus of the GAA family hangs up his boots.Legend.

cuederocket (Dublin) - Posts: 5084 - 20/11/2014 11:34:27    1673596

Possibly the greatest player we've ever seen.

Played in the forwards, midfield and the backs.

Will go down in history.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13705 - 20/11/2014 11:35:12    1673599

My favourite hurler of all time. For me a better hurler than Henry Shefflin. After being dropped this year he was not given his chance to get back in. Had he stuck around could easily have seen him getting his shirt back next year.

bdbuddah (Meath) - Posts: 1338 - 20/11/2014 11:40:31    1673600

the greatest wing back ever to grace the hurling pitches of Ireland.
there will be no one like him , such pride and passion !!

#TW5

HurlerOnTheFenc (Mayo) - Posts: 282 - 20/11/2014 11:46:32    1673602

Genuinely sorry to see him go but I think he is right, once you fall out with the Kaizer your days as a Kilkenny hurler are numbered. Fair play to him for remaining on as a sub this year with Kilkenny, the likes of Conor Mortimer should take note.

He was a very good player, winning all-stars in various positions across the pitch. His fielding was amazing for a guy that wasn't that big but the ammunition that fed the likes of Sheflin from his clearances was even more telling. Everyone knew he would play a diagonal pass to Sheflin but stopping it was easier said than done.

The one thing that fascinates me is how quickly the form of top players can diminish once they head towards the twilight of their careers. He was in top form 2 - 3 years ago and then completely off the pace his year. It has happened so many great players - Sheflin, Eoin Kellys, The Rock, O'Halpin etc. Very few players retire at the peak of their powers.

I have a personal inclination that Cody was very upset with him for running ahead of Reid's first penalty against Cork last year and because the retaken penalty was saved it cost Kilkenny three points at a crucial point in the match. I could be completely wrong but that passage of play from last year has stuck in my head since then.

Anyway fair play to him for 13 fantastic years service to the great game of hurling and all the best with what retirement brings him.

Killarney.87 (Tipperary) - Posts: 2513 - 20/11/2014 11:46:33    1673603

Best of luck to him, a joy to watch.

freddy2 (Wexford) - Posts: 215 - 20/11/2014 11:55:05    1673610

Amazing player and a privilege to have seen him play at his peak on more than one occasion

Tim_Burr (Down) - Posts: 460 - 20/11/2014 12:02:07    1673613

One of the greats for sure, Allstars in forwards, midfield and backs. Think his first taste of an AI final was launching one over 13 seconds in against Cork in '03 - what an introduction. A pleasure to watch him over the years

srb (Antrim) - Posts: 344 - 20/11/2014 12:13:24    1673618

It's hard to pick him apart from JJ Delaney, Henry Shefflin, Noel Hickey and Eddie Brennan. Kilkenny people are very lucky that they produced 5 colossus of the game at the one time. The rest of us can just watch an appreciate (and try to replicate).

Like with Declan O'Sullivan yesterday, this is a bit premature at 31. It is the norm these days I suppose. If you are a competitor like Tommy Walsh, winning an All-Ireland from the bench can't be as good when you have won 8 on the field. Fair play to him for sticking about for the year and best of luck to him in the future.

bennybunny (Cork) - Posts: 3917 - 20/11/2014 13:23:54    1673647

Gutted to see him gone at 31. He had loads left in him.

Jesus what a player. Had it all. Skill, brains and the heart of a lion, verocious courage.

Pound for pound the greatest hurler there has been and I say that because name another who won all irelands and All starts in such a variety of positions?

And another thing, he was often the last man off teh field after signing autographs for any kid looking for one.Cap well and truly tipped to the great Tommy Walsh

Brianmac78 (Dublin) - Posts: 1168 - 20/11/2014 13:40:28    1673653

Although Hickey and Brennan were stalwarts of Kilkenny hurling,for me anyway,this Kilkenny era of dominance has provided us with 3 absolute giants of the game.Were an all time best 15 to be picked now,130 years after the GAAs inception,i would have JJ Delaney,T Walsh and Henry on it.JJs is my favourite player to have the pleasure of watching.

cuederocket (Dublin) - Posts: 5084 - 20/11/2014 13:46:29    1673656

Fantastic Hurler, would have him. Liam Dunne, Sean Og and JJ as possibly the best half backs I have seen so far in my lifetime.

I would say however he did get away with a lot of stuff, I often though, jaysus he is a great hurler but why did he do that but then he got away with it.

zinny (Wexford) - Posts: 1800 - 20/11/2014 13:46:37    1673657

you would put jj, liam dunne and sean og ahead of brian whelehan???!!?..have you seen much hurling?

kavvie (Clare) - Posts: 505 - 20/11/2014 14:35:37    1673687

sean og better than tommy walsh , well not in a million years

HurlerOnTheFenc (Mayo) - Posts: 282 - 20/11/2014 15:15:21    1673703

A great player, a real character and a star, some great memories.

arock (Dublin) - Posts: 4895 - 20/11/2014 15:55:17    1673725

zinny
County: Wexford
Posts: 166

1673657
Fantastic Hurler, would have him. Liam Dunne, Sean Og and JJ as possibly the best half backs I have seen so far in my lifetime.

I would say however he did get away with a lot of stuff, I often though, jaysus he is a great hurler but why did he do that but then he got away with it.



Liam Dunne is one of my favourite hurlers ever but also a hatchet man to be fair!!

TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 7885 - 20/11/2014 16:11:49    1673732

His ability to field a sliotar for a small guy was second to none..
Enjoy your retirement, you will be remembered as one of the greatest of all time.

MURPHB33 (Dublin) - Posts: 166 - 20/11/2014 16:14:34    1673736