Barry Walsh aiming to make step up to Cork senior side
Michael Bolton
After making his mark with the U20s, Barry Walsh is hoping to make the step up to the Cork senior side under Ben O'Connor.
This year saw Walsh make the jump to senior for his club Killeagh, while impressing for the Cork U20s, who he can still play with next season.
Walsh is involved with the Cork seniors as they undergo pre-season training, and is hoping to leave an impression with the league underway in February
In what could be a new start for Cork under new management and the retirement of Patrick Horgan, Walsh is hoping they turn to youth.
"Obviously, I'd love to play a game with the Cork seniors, but I've to take each step at a time.
“When it comes to pre-season training, I've to look forward to just training with the lads. It is a big enough opportunity for me, I don't want to race away with me thoughts, thinking I can't wait to play this league game or that league game. I haven't necessarily made the panel yet; my plan now is to look forward to each session we have before that.
“Just getting the call, knowing you're being watched, it gives you that bit of a push to perform better, to train better, to have a better all-round lifestyle around the GAA. It is a good feeling, alright.
“It is a great place to be for myself. I'm enjoying the build up to it, I'm excited, but kinda nervous at the same time.”
All-ireland winners Tipperary showed how youth can be integrated into a senior set-up successfully, as they also won the U20 title. Young Hurler of the Year Darragh McCarthy was crucial to their All-Ireland win.
The team to catch in 2026, Walsh was impressed by how the youth and expereince in the Tipperary side combined.
"They are defenitley doing something well up there, they are getting a good few younger lads in there.
"I hope the same will happen to me. The older lads will all be sound anyway, I was with them for a few gym sessions.
"It is new alright, but there is still a good few lads on the panel still. There is defenitley up and coming people alright, there will be new players involved."
