Hurling star Walter Walsh announces birth of twins following Kilkenny retirement
Walsh announced he was retiring from inter-county hurling last Friday.
At 33, Walter Walsh may still have another year of inter-county hurling left in him - but the reasons behind his retirement have just become a lot clearer.
The three-time All-Ireland winner announced on Friday that he was bringing the curtain down on his Kilkenny career after 13 seasons in the black and amber - but it was far from the most momentous event in his life in recent days. It has emerged that Walsh has now become a father - at the double - as his wife, Vicky Holden gave birth to twins at St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny.
Walsh took to Instagram to share the news as he left the hospital carrying the newborns, with the caption: “The next chapter… Plenty to keep me occupied in retirement. Thanks for all the messages and well wishes.”
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The couple were married in July of last year, just a week after Walsh had featured in Kilkenny’s All-Ireland final defeat to Limerick, while this year’s semi-final loss to Clare proved to be his last game for the county.
The towering Tullogher-Rosbercon exploded on the hurling scene back in 2012 when he was dropped into the Kilkenny team for the All-Ireland final replay against Galway. He went on to score 1-3 on what was his debut and was named Man of the Match.
He won a second All-Ireland in 2014 although this time he was dropped from the team for the replayed final win over Tipperary, though he was a mainstay the following year as the title was retained and claimed his only All Star in 2016.
Paying tribute, Kilkenny manager Derek said it was “an honour to have worked with Walter”.
He added: “His towering presence both on and off the field has inspired many young hurlers and his attitude, drive and leadership has been immense. Walter leaves us with many great memories and I wish him well in his retirement.”
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