Kilkenny great Henry Shefflin retires from inter-county hurling
Last Updated: 25/03/15 1:02pm
Kilkenny legend Henry Shefflin has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
One of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Shefflin won a record 10 All-Ireland medals, 13 Leinster titles, 11 All Stars and six National Leagues during a glittering 16-year inter-county career.
“It is with a deep sense of gratitude and contentment that I announce today that I’m ending my career with the Kilkenny senior hurlers," Shefflin told a press conference on Wednesday.
"When I reflect back over the past 16 years playing the game that I love, at the highest level with Kilkenny, it is impossible to quantify the endless hours of happiness, satisfaction and fulfilment I have enjoyed.
When I reflect back over the past 16 years playing the game that I love, at the highest level with Kilkenny, it is impossible to quantify the endless hours of happiness, satisfaction and fulfilment I have enjoyed.
Henry Shefflin
"The various challenges I experienced along the way became opportunities for me to develop as a person both on and off the field of play.
"I will always be eternally grateful to the numerous people who have encouraged and supported me in my pursuit of my sporting dreams. To my wife Deirdre, my parents, brothers and sisters I owe a huge debt of gratitude. Only they really know the many sacrifices they have made on my behalf.
"My club mentors in Ballyhale Shamrocks and my former teachers instilled in me not only a love of hurling but also the importance of developing the skills of the game.
"Brian Cody has been part of my senior inter-county career from the beginning and I benefitted greatly from his guidance and support. I thank him and his management teams for the huge role they have played in the success I have enjoyed."
The 36-year-old’s final appearance for Kilkenny came in their All-Ireland final replay win over Tipperary last September.
There had been much speculation regarding Shefflin’s future following Kilkenny's All-Ireland win last September, but he delayed any announcement until after his club Ballyhale Shamrocks won their third All-Ireland club title on St Patrick’s Day.
Shefflin, who scored 27-483 in 71 senior championship matches with Kilkenny, intends to continue his club career with Ballyhale.
The Gaelic Players Association paid tribute to Shefflin, describing him as “an extraordinary ambassador” for both Gaelic Games and Irish sport.
The GPA said in a statement: "His enduring dedication, including overcoming two career-threatening injuries, has inspired a generation – on and off the playing field. His untouchable legacy is unlikely ever to be eclipsed.
"A true role model for all aspiring athletes, Henry’s exceptional competitive zeal has always been underpinned by great sportsmanship and integrity.
"It is most fitting that, at 36 years of age, he was afforded the privilege of closing this chapter in his life as an All-Ireland champion with Ballyhale."
