Walsh first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Kilkenny minor team in the late seventies.
He won back-to-back Leinster medals in 1980 and 1981, however, there would be no All-Ireland success either in this grade as Tipperary dominated the championship.
Walsh later made several appearances during various National League campaigns but failed to command a regular place on the starting fifteen.
In late 1990 Walsh's father, Ollie, was appointed manager of the Kilkenny senior hurling team.
He gave his son a chance to play in that year's National Hurling League, and Walsh Jr. later became the first-choice goalkeeper on the senior team.
Later in 1991 Walsh won his first senior Leinster title with Kilkenny, however, his side were beaten by Tipperary in the All-Ireland final.
In 1992 Walsh won his second Leinster title before later claiming his first senior All-Ireland medal following a win over Cork.
Walsh is a hurling analyst for KCLR Radio and has recently been appointed Kilkenny Under 21 manager for 2008.