between 1910 and 1916 walsh participated in a diverse range of activities; four months as a curate in dunsany, county meath, teaching at ring summer school, county waterford, and teaching latin at st. finnians. he continued with his studies, obtained a ba with first class honours in 1912, and in 1914 an m.a. with first class honours, both from the national university of ireland. the outbreak of war in 1914 prevented travel to continental europe for a travelling scholarship.