New blow for Cats as Shefflin undergoes foot op

Henry Shefflin’s chances of playing for Kilkenny in their Leinster championship opener in June have receded further after the hurling icon had another operation on his foot last week.

Ballyhale Shamrocks sources confirmed last night that the nine-time All-Ireland medallist underwent another bout of surgery, adding further woe to his battle to regain full fitness ahead of the summer.

Shefflin went off injured when Ballyhale took on Oulart the Ballagh in the Leinster club championship last December with what was initially thought to be an ankle sprain. Scans revealed a fracture in his foot as well as ligament damage; it is not clear whether the latest operation is on the area of the foot injured last year.