As expected, Kilkenny hurling legend Henry Shefflin has announced his retirement from inter county hurling. At a press conference in Kilkenny city today, the ten time All Ireland winner called time on what will inevitably be held up as one of the truly great GAA careers.
Here's the statement that Shefflin released to confirm his decision to retire at the age of 36.
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.
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.
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.
I wish to thank the GPA for all they do on behalf of myself and inter-county players.
Sincere thanks also to my employer Bank of Ireland for facilitating me in every way possible during my career.
The support I have received from Kilkenny supporters and from the GAA family all over Ireland in good times and in challenging times has been a humbling experience and made me realise how lucky and privileged I am.
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.
The tributes have been rolling in for the Kilkenny hero from twitter as people around the country show their respect for his career.
Thank you to the greatest hurler of all time. The Black & Amber will miss you @ShefflinHenry but you deserve this and more than earned it.
— Amanda Fennelly (@amandafennelly) March 25, 2015
"He had nothing else to achieve. He should leave it to a younger person now. He was the best" ~ the mammy on #HenryShefflin
— Darragh Doyle (@darraghdoyle) March 25, 2015
#KingHenry retires.. He has more medals than most intercounty players have appearances.. #legend #history
— Shane Connolly (@shane_connolly) March 25, 2015
Henry confirms he will continue to play with Ballyhale Shamrocks.
— Fintan O'Toole (@fotoole13) March 25, 2015
Shefflin looks a little emotional after the gathered media and Co extend a warm and prolonged applause
— Shane Stapleton (@ShaneSaint) March 25, 2015
Slán leis an Rí - Farewell to the King - Henry Shefflin, has announced his retirement from @KilkennyCLG#KingHenry http://t.co/Mh1Zo76raS
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 25, 2015
"Hurling is and always will be part of what I am" - Henry Shefflin #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) March 25, 2015
Saw the vast majority of Shefflin's championship games. Also got to play against him at club level. He wasn't half bad. #HenryShefflin
— Kieran Cuddihy (@kierancuddihy) March 25, 2015
Best wishes in retirement to Henry Shefflin who did the simple things spectacularly well & made the spectacular look simple
— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) March 25, 2015
To sum up Henry Shefflin: he once attempted to play an All-Ireland final three weeks after tearing his cruciate. One of the greats.
— Leigh Walsh (@LeighWalsh87) March 25, 2015
Official: King Henry abdicates. Just the 10 All-Irelands, 11 All-Stars, three Hurler of the Years and 13 Leinster medals to his name. #gaa
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) March 25, 2015
Photo Credit Stephen McCarthy/ Sportsfile
