Walsh collected a fourth National League medal in 2009, as Kilkenny beat Tipperary by 2–26 to 4–17 with a thrilling extra-time victory. He later won a fifth successive Leinster medal, as new challengers Dublin were bested by 2–18 to 0–18. On 6 September Kilkenny were poised to become the second team ever in the history of hurling to win four successive All-Ireland championships when they faced Tipperary in the decider. For long periods Tipp looked the likely winners, however, late goals from Henry Shefflin and substitute Martin Comerford finally killed off their efforts to secure a 2–22 to 0–23 victory. Walsh had collected his fifth All-Ireland medal, however, the game was not without incident for him. A wild pull on him by Benny Dunne was punished with a red card. Walsh later collected a seventh successive All-Star award, while he also picked up the Texaco, Vodafone and GPA Hurler of the Year awards.