Henry Shefflin: I'll miss training most

By Paul Keane

Henry Shefflin admitted he will miss training most after officially calling time on his storied Kilkenny career at an elaborate media event.

The 10-time All-Ireland winner presided over a midday briefing in Kilkenny city to confirm his time with Kilkenny was at an end.

"I'm not about to announce that I'm staying on with Kilkenny as you can all gather"

The announcement was made at the Langton Hotel theatre and was attended by media and a large public gathering, several of whom thanked Shefflin for his contribution over the years.

The Ballyhale Shamrocks man, who recently collected his third All-Ireland club winners' medal, read from a prepared statement revealing his retirement which was followed by prolonged applause.

"I'm not about to announce that I'm staying on with Kilkenny as you can all gather," joked Shefflin, before making the statement in which he said he will continue to play for Ballyhale.

The statement in full read: "It is with a deep sense of gratitude and personal contentment that I am announcing today that I am bringing to an end my inter-county playing career with the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team.

"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. 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."

He thanked his family, who he said were the only ones who knew the sacrifices they had made on his behalf. "To my wife Deirdre, my parents, brothers and sisters I owe a huge debt of gratitude."

His club-mates at Ballyhale Shamrocks also came in for praise, players and teachers who Shefflin said had taught him 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 benefited 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.

"I am grateful to Ned Quinn and the Kilkenny County Board for their leadership and especially for all they have done for me over the years."

Shefflin described the support he has experienced from Kilkenny fans as "a humbling experience". He said he realised how lucky he was.

"Hurling is and always will be part of who I am. I now look forward to continue to play with my club Ballyhale Shamrocks and supporting Kilkenny hurling teams for many years to come."

County chairman Ned Quinn described Shefflin as "the essential team player" who was "awesome" while "inspiring his colleagues" ahead of games.

Quinn described Shefflin's display in the 2012 drawn All-Ireland final with Galway as the greatest of his career which "dragged us to a draw" before winning the replay.

During a question and answers session, Shefflin said he realised, "I'm 36, not 26", and maintained he only came to the decision to retire last weekend.

He said that he broke the news to Brian Cody over a cup of tea and a scone and detailed how he is already missing team training. He described former colleagues JJ Delaney and Tommy Walsh as his toughest opponents over the years.

Shefflin To Make Decision

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