O’Connor: Shefflin is simply irreplaceable

Kilkenny can cope with the absence of most individuals and will not be disconcerted by manager, Brian Cody’s enforced non-appearance in Sunday’s Allianz Hurling League semi-final.

That is the verdict of Willie O’Connor, who captained the Cats to their first All-Ireland success under Cody in 2000.

But there is one exception to the rule though, according to the Glenmore man, and the likelihood of Henry Shefflin’s run of 62 consecutive championship appearances coming to an end against Offaly on June 9 is a significant source of concern.