Shefflin tops in academia, too

ALL-IRELAND hurler Henry Shefflin was like the cat who got the cream yesterday after he swapped the black and amber for the robes of academia.

The Kilkenny star was conferred with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Financial Services at Waterford Institute of Technology.

He was one of 276 Kilkenny graduates among the 2,435 conferred over two days.

Henry, from Knockwilliam, Ballyhale, played a key role in Kilkenny's 27th All-Ireland title in September.

However, his commitment on the field didn't affect his studies off.

He finished at the top of the class of 2002.

Like many other hurlers in the south-east, Shefflin enrolled in Waterford Institute of Technology.

This is the college that has done most to challenge the grip on the Fitzgibbon Cup of the traditional university teams in UCD and

UCC. A finalist in 1998, he was a member of the winning side in both 1999 and 2000.

He also picked up an All-Ireland winner's medal in the latter year.

Director of the Waterford Institute, Professor Kieran R Byrne commended him on his remarkable career.

"Henry has been described as the leading forward in the country by Offaly manager Fr Tom Fogarty.

"He certainly assumed the leadership position among the Kilkenny forwards in DJ Carey's absence.

"His contribution to hurling at Waterford Institute of Technology was of the highest order.

"His contribution to the Kilkenny team during this year's successful All-Ireland campaign provided further evidence of his excellence.

"Henry's performances at underage level marked him out as someone to watch.

"And he has more than fulfilled this potential.

"For an Institute such as ours, the mix of sporting and scholastic endeavour as well as social development is of the utmost importance.

"Graduates like Henry go from here with an excellent education.

"I know that he and all the 'Class of 2002' will serve as fine ambassadors for the Institute as their careers unfold."