We all may have preferred to watch him playing for Kilkenny, but you have the feeling Tommy Walsh is adjusting to the life of a pundit quite nicely.
On hand for this weekend's opening weekend of National League fixtures, Walsh stole the show.
Tommy Walsh as big a hit on Eir as on Newstalk. Could be a bidding war for him in the summer...
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) January 27, 2018
Brilliant from Padraig Walsh, better from Tommy! 😂
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) January 27, 2018
Fair play to @eirSport, that was a really good start to #GAA season tv coverage.
Tommy Walsh a start pundit in the making!#AllianzLeagues— Damian Cullen (@Damian_Cullen) January 27, 2018
Keeping a close eye on Kilkenny's opening day defeat to Cork, Walsh's observations were insightful, but inevitably full of humour due to his curious colloquialisms and accent.
Praising Cork's Tim O'Mahony in one particular segment, Walsh identified a man he sees as "a real hurling man's hurler."
"He's a real hurling man's hurler."
Tommy Walsh on @OfficialCorkGAA's Tim O'Mahony. #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/UZIFbdGUnP
— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 27, 2018
Singing the praises of Richie Leahy and Walter Walsh, the multiple All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny is infectious in his excitement.
You've got to love Tommy Walsh! #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/2i8RPWvB6E
— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 27, 2018
When his own brother Padraig made a breaking run out of the box and pointed a great effort, Walsh couldn't help but remind listeners that he had been decent enough in his day too.
Padraig Walsh bursts out from full back position to give Kilkenny that much needed inspiration pic.twitter.com/G9u3t0kWfG
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 27, 2018
However, it was his impassioned speech about Offaly and their "great hurling people" that really stole the show.
"I'm delighted for @Offaly_GAA! Great hurling people. That's a massive win!"
Tommy Walsh on Offaly's win over Dublin at Croke Park earlier. #AllianzLeagues #MatchNightLive pic.twitter.com/aF63jAgAh0
— eir Sport (@eirSport) January 27, 2018
Needless to say, with such a wide interest in the opening fixtures of the hurling calendar, Walsh's contributions did not go unnoticed.
@TheSundayGame how did you pass up on Tommy Walsh? Get him on that telly for championship. He loves the small ball. He and Cyril Farrell will be a ratings goldmine. @eirSport #AllianzLeagues
— Eddie Breen (@EddieBreen91) January 27, 2018
Tommy Walsh is so refreshing and natural as a pundit. He’s like a JCB put him in gear and let him off . Well done @eirSport great production
— Pat Gleeson (@DunDrongain) January 27, 2018
Tommy Walsh is some man to commentate on a game #GAA
— Valerie Wheeler (@ValerieWheeler_) January 27, 2018
Ya have to enjoy Tommy Walsh's enthusiasm #Allianzleagues #eirsports
— Michael Bermingham (@mickdaabrick) January 27, 2018
