Dick Walsh

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Dick 'Drug' Walsh (1878-1958) was a famous Irish sportsperson who played hurling for Mooncoin and Kilkenny in the 1900s.

Dick Walsh was born in Rathkieran, Mooncoin, County Kilkenny in 1878. He grew up on the family farm and had a love of hurling from a young age. Walsh earned his nickname 'Drug' in the local national school as he liked to sing the son "Clare's Dragoons." In singing he pronounced dragoons as drugoons and son his school-mates gave him the nickname 'Drug', which he disliked in later life. Walsh first played senior hurling with Kilkenny in 1904. He didn't have long to wait to claim his first All-Ireland medal which came that same year with a victory over Cork in the final. In 1905 Walsh lined out in the All-Ireland final as goalkeeper. He let in three goals and Kilkenny lost the game on the field of play. After an objection the result was overturned and Kilkenny were declare champions. Two more All-Ireland victories came in 1907 and 1909 when Walsh captained the side.

In 1911 Kilkenny were named All-Ireland champions without having to play in the final, thus giving Walsh his fifth All-Ireland medal. A sixth All-Ireland medal was won in 1912 and in 1913 Walsh was given the honour of captaining Kilkenny yet again. With a victory over Tipperary Walsh became the first man to captain a team to three All-Ireland victories. This record was later equalled by Christy Ring of Cork and Mikey Maher of Tipperary. Kilkenny also completed the three-in-a-row with Walsh collecting a record seventh All-Ireland medal. He remains one of only a handful of Kilkenny players to win seven All-Ireland medals on the field of play. This record was later surpassed by Christy Ring and John Doyle of Tipperary. In retirement from hurling Walsh trained Laois to win the 1915 All-Ireland title.

Dick 'Drug' Walsh died in 1958.

Preceded by Tom Semple (Tipperary)	All-Ireland Hurling Final winning captain 1907	Succeeded by Tom Semple (Tipperary)
Preceded by Tom Semple (Tipperary)	All-Ireland Hurling Final winning captain 1909	Succeeded by Dick Doyle Wexford)
Preceded by Sim Walton Kilkenny)	All-Ireland Hurling Final winning captain 1913	Succeeded by Amby Power Clare)