Shane Walsh returned to action for Galway on Sunday, coming on as a second half substitute during their Allianz Football League victory over Monaghan.
Walsh, star of last year's All-Ireland final for Galway, had been on an extended break after featuring for Kilmacud Crokes in their run to the All-Ireland Club Football Championship title.
In the days after Kilmacud Crokes' victory, Walsh flew to Australia for a holiday, and so managed to avoid much of the controversy at home which surrounded his side's win over Glen.
Shane Walsh missed 'noise' after Kilmacud win
The Derry side had objected to Kilmacud having extra players on the pitch at the conclusion of the game, but later withdrew their challenge. Walsh said that had a replay been scheduled, he would have returned from Australia for the game.
5 March 2023; Shane Walsh of Galway signs footballs and programmes for supporters after the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Galway and Monaghan at Pearse Stadium in Galway. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
"I probably got the best of feelings in a way," Walsh told RTÉ Radio One's Sunday Sport.
"A couple of days later - after celebrating with the lads - I was heading away to Sydney with my girlfriend.
"It was completely different. I probably got the best of it. I enjoyed every minute of it, really. I know there was a lot of noise here at home in relation to it, and what was going to happen.
"Robbie (Brennan) and the lads had been chatting to me. I said, 'What will be will be, I'll be ready to come back if I need to'.
"It was great that there was a line drawn in the sand in relation to it. It's great to enjoy it, and have that medal now forever.
"We enjoyed every minute of it, to be honest with you. You can ask any of the lads. After the full time whistle, lads were in a different place altogether compared to where they'd be on the Thursday or Friday after all the talk about it.
"Lads were there to enjoy it, and 'what will be, will be,' was said. In fairness, that was the way we handled it, and I thought it was handled very well."
Against Monaghan, Galway picked up their second victory in Division 1 despite playing the second half with 14 men due to the sending off of Peter Cooke.
5 March 2023; Shane Walsh of Galway during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Galway and Monaghan at Pearse Stadium in Galway. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
"Great to be back, in fairness, delighted. Two points on the board as well. It helps when you're coming back, to get a win today - absolutely thrilled," said Walsh.
"I was always hoping to be [brought on]. I feel I was born to play football. You're always itching to get back in. Padraic is the man in charge. He gave the nod to get back in there today.
"I was delighted to help out in any shape or form. I was rusty when I came on. But that's the chance I have in the next two weeks, to grow into it.
"The sending off, which felt a bit harsh at the time, it really came at a good time because we had time to adjust over half-time. In fairness to management, tactically we got it spot on. It was just a brilliant performance in front of our home supporters.
"Lads have been soldiering away in the last month since I've been away. You can see where the bar is at. Well, I can see where it's at anyway! I have work to do in next two weeks."
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