Shefflin leaves centre stage with head held high as tributes flood in

"You made the best of yourself" was Brian Cody’s glowing tribute to Henry Shefflin when the player informed his manager of his decision to retire on Monday.

The pair had met the previous Friday where Cody told the most decorated hurler in history to reflect over the weekend before making up his mind about extending his inter-county career to a 17th season.

When Shefflin called to inform him he was bowing out, Cody was understanding but just as admiring of him.