Shefflin reflects on 'an amazing experience'

Kilkenny hurling star Henry Shefflin reflected on 'an amazing experience' after he held the Olympic torch on high at the Etihad Skyline in Croke Park this morning.

Shefflin was the second of 40 torchbearers to carry the Olympic flame through the streets of Dublin today - the only occasion that the Olympic torch run will take place outside of the UK ahead of the London 2012 Olympics which start on July 27.

"It was an unbelievable experience. It's just a couple of minutes after it so it's probably still starting to sink in," admitted the eight-time All-Ireland SHC winner.

"I was up there for about 20 minutes and it felt like I was up there a minute because it just flew by. Just the whole experience - the flame, the torch - it was an amazing experience."

"t was brilliant to have my family there. It's the first time two of my kids have been to Croke Park.

"For them in years to come to say that they were here will be special. That was an once in a lifetime moment and that's how I would describe it."

The two highlights for Shefflin were emerging with the torch through the main entrance on the Jones' Road side of Croke Park and holding the flame over the stadium on the new suspended Skyline walkway.

"Coming over the edge of Croke Park with the flame where there is nothing underneath you was a special moment," he said.

"Just standing over the stadium and looking down on the stadium itself - that's the reason I was here, because of what I do on the field.

"That moment holding the torch, but also going out of the stadium as well and just getting the official send-off shaking the hands of Liam O'Neill, the GAA President.

"The reason I was here was because of the GAA and to exit Croke Park after being up on the Skyline was a special moment as well."

The occasion brought back many memories of glorious days for Shefflin and Kilkenny at the world famous Dublin 3 venue.

"It did indeed. I suppose it was a little bit different. It just makes those days all the more special. This was totally different and something outside the box."