Shefflin ruled out of All-Ireland final

Kilkenny's all-time top scorer Henry Shefflin has been ruled out of action for next month's All-Ireland Senior Hurling final, after Kilkenny officials confirmed the extent of the Ballyhale Shamrocks player's injury this evening.

Shefflin picked up a knee injury after 25 minutes in the Cats' semi-final victory over Cork on Sunday and underwent a scan with a local consultant today.

In a statement issued to local radio station KCLR96fm the Kilkenny County Board confirmed the extent of Shefflin's injury.

"Henry Shefflin's injury has been confimed as a cruciate ligament to his left knee. His previous cruciate injury was to his right knee," it read.

Shefflin received the news from the Orthopedic surgeon Dr Tadhg O'Sullivan at 11am today that his season was over.

Friends say that he is devastated.

However, there is better news for Brian Hogan who picked up a shoulder knock against the Rebels.

"Brian Hogan's shoulder injury is not as serious first thought. With treatment he should be fit for the All-Ireland final.

The statement concludes: "The Kilkenny County Board and all Kilkenny supporters wish both Henry and Brian the best as they begin their recoveries."

Both Shefflin and Hogan had underwent a session of cryotherapy chamber treatment on Monday morning in a bid to aid their recovery.