Shefflin doesn’t rank as greatest-ever hurler

The recent retirement of Kilkenny’s Henry Shefflin from inter-county hurling has renewed interest in the best-ever hurler controversy.

Among journalists there is little dissent about Shefflin’s number-one status within his own era.

Despite other great contemporary hurlers, his skill, temperament, courage and dedication put him in front, journalists say.

However, followers like myself, who have seen an older generation of hurlers, could not concur with the best-ever title.

Comparisons between Shefflin and Christy Ring — of an older generation — can be made.

Ring, in terms of temperament, courage, dedication and achievements, is comparable to Sheflin, but Ring was easily betters in terms of skill and longevity.

Ring had all the skills — left hand and right hand, with a greater fluency than Shefflin and Ring’s contact with the sliothar was more resounding.

Obviously, I cannot compare Ring with James Kelleher, Lory Meagher and other generations, but my generation has been lucky to enjoy such superb hurlers as Ring and Shefflin.

We must never forget Ring’s words — “the best has yet to come”.

Denis McDonnell

46 Calderwood Drive

Donnybrook

Douglas

Cork