Walsh started contributing a weekly chess column and puzzle in the Irish Times in April 1955, and since September 1972 the daily chess puzzle, making his puzzle one of the longest running chess articles in the world.
[1][2] He played chess in the Leinster leagues for Clontarf, Eoghan Ruadh and Dublin Chess Club, winning the Armstrong Cup on a number of occasions as well as the Irish National Club Championships.
[3] Jim represented Ireland in three Olympiads, Amsterdam 1954, Moscow 1956 (playing on board 1) and Munich 1958.
He edited the Irish Chess Journal on occasions, and has contributed articles and chess book reviews to a number of publications.
In recognition of his contribution to Irish Chess, in 2014, Jim was made a life member of the Irish Chess Union and a trophy was named in his honour.