Shefflin to return for Cats after eight months

HENRY SHEFFLIN will end his eight-month break from the inter-county game when he returns to the Kilkenny team for his first match since last year’s All-Ireland final when the Cats entertain Waterford in a senior hurling challenge in Mooncoin on Sunday night (throw-in 7pm).

The Ballyhale Shamrocks star last lined out in the All-Ireland triumph over Tipperary last September, but he helped his club to a record fifth win in the All-Ireland club series in between.

The 31-year-old was given a complete break by Kilkenny manager, Brian Cody after the club final win over Portumna, but with the county squad ready to commence training next week for the Leinster championship, this was seen as an ideal time for Shefflin to make his return.