Henry Shefflin’s retirement - A true superstar

IF hurling was an international game, there can be no doubt Henry Shefflin would share a pedestal with the likes of soccer star Lionel Messi of Barcelona and world number one golfer Rory McIlroy.

With the drive, focus and commitment to the game that marks such a special player apart, even from his Kilkenny team mates, Shefflin has brought years of enjoyment to aficionados of hurling from one end of the country to the other, including supporters of opposing teams like Cork, Tipperary, Clare, Waterford, and Wexford.

Having finally retired from intercounty competition at 36, even his greatest rivals admit his prowess on the field of play has been truly remarkable.

A quintessential team player, whether lining out for Kilkenny or his home club of Ballyhale Shamrocks, in his time he has won 10 All-Ireland senior medals, 13 Leinster titles, 11 All-Star awards, six league titles, plus three All-Ireland club medals. In the Prince of Games, the ‘clash of the ash’ is celebrated but despite his serious injuries it is fair to say that Shefflin’s considerable merits as a sportsman have never been in doubt.