In 1963 Walsh was only nineteen years-old and fresh out of the minor grade when he joined the Kilkenny senior hurling team.
Staunch local rivals Tipperary later provided the opposition in the All-Ireland final, however, Kilkenny were the pundits’ favourites to retain the title.
[4] Kilkenny lost their provincial crown in 1965, however, the team bounced back in 1966 with Walsh collecting his first National Hurling League medal and a third Leinster title.
This victory allowed Kilkenny to advance directly to the All-Ireland final where arch-rivals Cork provided the opposition.
In spite of this two goals by Colm Sheehan and a third from John O'Halloran gave Cork a merited 3-9 to 1-10 victory over an Eddie Keher-inspired Kilkenny.
Tipperary were Kilkenny’s opponents on the day, however, by this stage Tipp’s pool of players was ageing and the county’s hurling fortunes were in decline.
Walsh was charged with the task of marking Tony Wall and 'the Cats' proved more than a match for the Munster champions.
Goals from Paddy Moran, Martin Brennan and Walsh gave Kilkenny a significant lead, however, with four minutes left in the game disaster struck.