Former Kilkenny boss heaps praise on departing Grace Walsh

Kilkenny camogie look set to be without one of their key players for 2025 after Grace Walsh opted to step away for the upcoming season.

Walsh has represented the county with great distinction since making her debut in 2011 and she leaves the squad with All-Ireland titles in 2016, 2020 and 2022 to her name.

While there is still a possibility that she will return at some stage, for now it’s the end of an era for the Tullaroan star.

In a statement on Social Media, the 31 year old said:

“Sin é but still some incredible memories made with a special group of friends.

“Up the Cats always.”

Despite only finishing up his first year as camogie boss, former manager Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere outlined what a great asset Wash has been to the Kilkenny cause.

“She’s been an incredible servant and ambassador to Kilkenny camogie for over a decade and a massive leader on and off the pitch. The Walsh family name is synonymous with GAA and Grace and her brothers and the entire family have given great service to Kilkenny hurling and camogie over decades,” he said, mentioning her brothers Tommy, Padraig and Shane and all they brought to the game.

“It’s immeasurable the impact they’ve made. They are all deep-rooted in their club Tullaroan but also Kilkenny and they are fantastic ambassadors for both club and county and the GAA community as a whole nationally.”

Walsh won the Gaelic Writers Camogie Personality of the Year Award last year as well as being nominated for player of the year in 2020 and she’s been a mainstay in a successful period for the Cats.

Walsh has also been named on the All-Star team on three occasions in 2018, 2020 and 2022 with her versatility coming to the fore in scooping awards at both midfield and full back.

Defeats to Dublin and Cork in the last two All-Ireland quarter-finals will have left a bit of a sour taste and Walsh’s loss alongside the likes of Denise Gaule and Claire Phelan departing the scene means Kilkenny are seeing a big turnover in the squad.