BRICK UP IN THE TOP TIER
MICHAEL ‘BRICK’ WALSH would not be quickly recognised if he wandered through very many counties all on his own. Even in some of hurling’s most royal stadia he might not get a hand on his shoulder when taking his seat to watch a game. Walsh has played at the highest level nearly all his life, and he has done so as busily and noisily as the Henry Shefflins and Padraic Mahers and Joe Cannings, but he’s from Waterford, which unfortunately has been a long white blur of trial and regret through a generation. He may not be a household ‘face’, but last Sunday the man christened ‘Brick’ lived up to the full majesty of that name by making his 74th Championship appearance and thereby breaking Brendan Cummins’ standing record. And that is the difference between the two men — Cummins mostly stood on his line, whereas Walsh has battled hard in defence and attack and has never shirked anything that has been put in front of him over 15 season. He’s no John Treacy or Sean Kelly or John O’Shea. All those Waterford men who brought such honour to their county are recognisable the length and breadth of this land, but Walsh’s outgoing manager Derek McGrath has Walsh tucked away forever in such impeccable company. ‘Brick stands up there with all of them, just for his pure humility and warrior-like qualities,’ stated McGrath, adding, ‘… but for all his guile and cunning as well.’ To be seated at such a table amongst winning heroes, and to be able to live up such a stunning tribute, it takes a man without an All-Ireland medal to be extra special. I’ve never met the man. And I know it’s quite possible that I could pass the man on the street — like a great number of people who have not had the pleasure of closely observing a GAA career that is unlikely ever to be matched.