Cork legend Teddy McCarthy is "delighted" that Aidan Walsh has committed himself to playing both football and hurling next year.

The 1990 All-Ireland football and hurling medallist believes the Kanturk dual star has a lot to offer the hurlers, though he concedes that his decision to double-job is another blow to new Cork football boss Brian Cuthbert, who has already lost a host of players to retirement and Aussie Rules since taking the reins last month.

"I'm delighted for him (Walsh). I'd be of the opinion that there should be a process in the GAA to allow dual players to be available for the counties. But it's a lot more difficult now because of the backdoor system and the demands at club level," McCarthy said in the Irish Examiner.

"Aidan's going to be a huge addition to Cork hurling. I had him for a year when I was involved in the U21s and for the little hurling he played he made a big impact. He was probably more dedicated to football at that time but we all knew the talent he had. He's a unique athlete."

He added: "It's a bit difficult for Brian at the moment," said McCarthy. "Six of them have gone from the panel, five for their own reasons and Ciarán Sheehan going to Australia.

"It's a huge, tall order for Cuthbert. Obviously, a lot of us would have known some players were coming towards the end of their Cork careers but you wouldn't have expected them to all go at the same time.

"Aidan dividing his loyalties is a body blow for Brian simply because he won't have his services all of the time. But it's recognition of what a special player he is." Tweet

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