Securing perfect 10 for Henry an added incentive

Ballyhale Shamrocks chairman Michael Fennelly believes helping club-mate Henry Shefflin claim a record 10th All-Ireland title will be a strong incentive for Kilkenny on Sunday.

The club will keep their fingers crossed tomorrow evening that the 35-year-old is selected to start having been a used substitute in each of the county’s last four games.

Fennelly, whose sons Michael Jnr and Colin are in line to be named in the team, says Shefflin’s feat will be forever known if the Cats beat Tipperary.

“Whether he starts or doesn’t start is the question. He’s going for the record and I’d say he’d rather start but then he’d have to finish to really do it on the best note.

“There’s no doubt he’s getting closer to the end.

“Just look at Tommy Walsh — it just happened overnight on him.

“It would be great for Henry to go down in history as the only one to have done it, but Tipp are up for it and probably fed up with Kilkenny having beaten them so much.

“Kilkenny were disappointed last year, they could have done better and officials’ decision went against them but the hunger is there. They’ve learned from that and there’s a lot of motivation.”

A 10th Celtic Cross would be a considerable feat but little is being made of it around the Shamrocks’ catchment areas of Ballyhale and Knocktopher.

The parishes are long accustomed to handling All-Ireland finals involving their players.

“We’re keeping the lid on it. It’s not the first time Kilkenny have been in a final with a high representation so we’re used to it.” Fennelly said. “Henry would be staying away from things anyway on a week like this. He wouldn’t want much contact and he’s able to just train away with the guys.”

Naturally, Fennelly is hoping his sons will be on the winning side. It would mark another achievement for the storied hurling history of the Fennellys.

“It’s the second generation coming around now and it’s great that this is happening. They’re representing the clan and hopefully all will go well for them on the day.”