GAA
In a revelation to the Irish Independent, Kilkenny hurling stalwart Padraig Walsh has officially called time on his inter-county career.
The 31-year-old Tullaroan native leaves behind a legacy defined by two All-Ireland titles and two coveted All-Star awards. The Irish Independent reports that Walsh, after 11 dedicated years on the county panel, admits to “feeling it in the body,”
Despite being dropped from the starting lineup for the 2014 All-Ireland final against Tipperary, Walsh’s impact couldn’t be denied. His entry as a late-game substitute in the drawn match and subsequent improved form earned him a starting position in the replay. Kilkenny emerged victorious, securing the All-Ireland title, and Padraig Walsh claimed his well-deserved medal.
See also: Kilkenny hurling stalwart Padraig Walsh has officially called time on his inter-county career
All Ireland senior hurling champions Limerick have seven players on this year’s PWC GAA / GPA All Stars.
Diarmuid Byrnes, Dan Morrissey, Kyle Hayes, Darragh O’Donovan, William O’Donoghue, Tom Morrissey, and Aaron Gillane are the representatives from the four-in-a-row winning side.
Byrnes, Hayes, and Gillane are on the three-man shortlist for Hurler of the Year.
Kilkenny has five players in the All-Stars team – TJ Reid – who wins a seventh All-Star – is joined in the selection by Eoin Murphy, Mikey Butler, Hugh Lawlor and Eoin Cody.
Clare has two players on the 15 – with John Conlon and Shane O’Donnell getting the nod. And the final place in the team goes to Galway’s Conor Whelan.
The Football All-Stars will be revealed at a ceremony in Dublin tomorrow night.
We will also learn the Footballer of the Year – with Brian Fenton, David Clifford and Brendan Rogers in the running for that award.
Soccer
Carlow continued their Oscar Traynor campaign with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Kilkenny last night.
Bagenalstown player Danny Doyle notched two goals, and New Oaks Lee Walker secured the third.
Carlow started the competition with a draw against Kildare, while Kilkenny faced a 3-2 defeat to Wexford a fortnight ago.
Swimming
Maria Godden from Callan has made the Irish team for the 2024 World Swimming Championships in Doha.
She is the first Kilkenny swimmer ever to do so. She is also on the Irish team for the European Short Course Championships in Romania this December.
She is the current Irish Champion at 100 and 200 meters and will swim both events at the Europeans and World.
Maria trains at the National Centre in UL but continues to represent Kilkenny Swimming Club in national competitions.
CRICKET
India awaits the winners of today’s second World Cup semi final involving Australia and South Africa.
Play began in Kolkata at 8.30 am Irish time.
RUGBY
France star Antoine Dupont is set to miss the upcoming Six Nations so he can prepare to play Sevens at the Olympics in Paris next year
