Shefflin ‘mad for hurling’

Kilkenny 1-24 Galway 0-15

Looking sharp in open play and deadly accurate from his dozen placed balls, the recently-turned 35-year-old delighted the Freshford crowd in what was his first Walsh Cup game in nine years.

A combination of club commitments, injury rehabilitation and rest had precluded him from the competition since 2005, but here he took full avail of being an early riser and lead Kilkenny to a final date with Dublin next weekend. Aside from the frees, his speed of foot and dexterity were cause for applause. In the 12th minute, he managed to maintain a solo run while lobbing the ball over an opponent. His sumptuous stick pass to Colin Fennelly for a 49th minute free was more in keeping with a summer’s day than this glacial afternoon. On another day, John Joe Farrell’s promise would have been the standout characteristic of Kilkenny’s win, but Shefflin’s determination to claim what often appeared lost opportunities proved the highlight. His point from play in the 60th minute came after he kept his focus having seen his first attempt blocked.