Cathal Walsh started his working career as a veterinary surgeon in Co. Wicklow in 1967.

He later served as a temporary Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture, ensuring the highest standards were maintained at local abattoirs. 

In 1982, Cathal took up a new post as Veterinary Inspector with Cork County Council. During his time in Cork, he was a founder-member of the Irish Veterinary Union and was the president of the Local Authorities Veterinary Officers Association. 

Cathal was always drawn to his hometown of Westport, Co. Mayo, and he returned in 1991 to take up a post as Veterinary Officer with Mayo County Council. Cathal retired from Mayo County Council in March 2005. 

During his time working in Mayo, Cathal, and his colleagues in the Veterinary Department, Cathy Waddell and Cathy Gallagher, established a collection of antique objects dealing with animal husbandry and veterinary science.  

Those objects were donated to the National Museum of Ireland, and a selection of the objects went on temporary display at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.