Henry Shefflin

Infobox GAA player
code= Hurling
sport = Hurling


name = Henry Shefflin
irish = Anraí Ó Sibhleáin
fullname = Henry Shefflin
placeofbirth = Ballyhale
countryofbirth = County Kilkenny
bday=1
bmonth=11
byear= 1979
dyear=
dday=
dmonth=
feet = 6
inches = 2
occupation = Bank Official
nickname = King Henry, Sheff
county = Kilkenny
province = Leinster
club = Ballyhale Shamrocks
clposition = Forward
clubs = Ballyhale
clyears = 1998-present
clapps(points) =
clcounty =
clprovince=
clallireland =
counties = Kilkenny
icposition = Half-forward
icyears = 1999-present
icapps(points) = 44 (20-331)
icprovince = 9
icallireland = 6
nhl = 4
allstars = 7
clupdate=(22:47, 18 August 2006 (UTC))
icupdate=(21:47, 8 September 2008 (UTC))

Henry Shefflin (born 1 November, 1979 in Ballyhale, County Kilkenny) is an Irish sportsperson. He plays hurling with his local club Ballyhale Shamrocks and has been a member of the Kilkenny senior inter-county team since 1999. [cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/hurling/codys-lucky-numbers-1468267.html |title=Cody's lucky numbers|publisher=Irish Independent|date=2008-09-03|accessdate=2008-09-19] Shefflin captained Kilkenny to the All-Ireland title in 2006 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. [cite web|url=http://www.waterford-news.com/news/story/?trs=cwsncwsnkf&cat=sport|title=Is this the greatest Kilkenny team of all time? |publisher=Waterford News & Star|date=2008-09-12|accessdate=2008-09-18]

Shefflin's status as one of the modern greats is self-evident. In a senior inter-county career that has lasted since 1999 he has won six All-Ireland titles, eight Leinster titles, four National Hurling League titles and two Railway Cup titles. Shefflin’s tally of 20 goals and 325 points from 44 championship games marks him out as the second highest scorer in championship history. [cite web|url=http://www.munster-express.ie/sports/studsup/out-wide/|title=Out Wide|publisher=The Munster Express|date=2008-09-05|accessdate=2008-09-19] He surpassed Christy Ring’s record in 2007 and Shefflin now stands second to his fellow countyman Eddie Keher on the all-time top scorers list.

Shefflin has also been the recipient of many awards and honours off the field. Since 2000 he has won seven All-Star awards. As a result of this Shefflin has become the first player in hurling history to win six consecutive All-Stars. In 2002 his hurling prowess earned him the three most prestigious personal awards in the game – the Vodafone, Texaco and Gaelic Players’ Association Hurler of the Year Awards. Four years later in 2006 Shefflin was presented with these three awards again for his outstanding contribution to the game. That same year he was also presented with the RTÉ Sports Person of the Year award. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/2006/1217/shefflinh.html |title=Shefflin named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=2006-12-17|accessdate=2008-09-18] Shefflin was the only amateur sportsperson on the award’s shortlist.

Biography

Henry Shefflin was born in Ballyhale, County Kilkenny in 1979. The son of local publicans, Henry and Mae Shefflin, he was educated at the local national school where his hurling skills were first noted and honed by legandary local headmaster, Joe Dunphy. Shefflin later cited Dunphy as a major influence in his career in numerous articles and magazines. As a child he saw his two older brothers line out with the Kilkenny hurlers at various levels. John Shefflin won an All-Ireland medal at minor level in 1990, while Tommy Shefflin won an All-Ireland medal at under-21 in the same year.

Shefflin later attended St. Kieran's College in Kilkenny, one of the most famous hurling nurseries in Ireland. During his tenure there Shefflin won an All-Ireland Colleges’ title and established himself as a player of immense talent. He later attended the Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) where he first studied electronics. Shefflin later changed course and decided to study business studies and financial services. While studying at WIT he played on the college hurling team and won back-to-back Fitzgibbon Cup titles in 1999 and 2000. Shefflin graduated with an honours degree and currently works with New Holland Finance, a subsidiary of Bank of Ireland Finance. [cite web|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2008/09/05/story71510.asp|title=Henry the Navigator|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=2008-09-05|accessdate=2008-09-18] His main area of responsibility is in the agri-business side of matters, handling the finance for all the New Holland tractor sales in the locality. His region of responsibility takes in the South-East region, including Tipperary, Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow and Kildare.

In March 2007 Shefflin married Deirdre O’Sullivan, a native of Callan and a well-known camogie player. [cite web|url=http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/news/Fairytale-wedding-for-King-Henry.2224476.jp|title=Fairytale Wedding for King Henry and Deirdre|publisher=Kilkenny People|date=2007-04-04|accessdate=2008-09-18] Just over a year later in April 2008 the Shefflins welcomed their first child, a daughter named Saibh, into the world. [cite web|url=http://www.munster-express.ie/opinion/tales-of-the-tellurians/secret-passages-and-tunnels/|title=Bedroom celebrations in Kilkenny|publisher=The Munster Express|date=2008-04-04|accessdate=2008-09-18]

Hurling career

Club

Shefflin plays his local club hurling with Ballyhale Shamrocks and has had much success with the club. Ironically, when he was 14 years-old Shefflin failed to make the club’s under-16 team. He remained persistent and eventually made the cut. While Ballyhale Shamrocks became one of the most successful clubs in the county following their foundation in the 1970s, by the time Shefflin joined the senior team things were not so good. In 2004 it was even rumoured that he was moving clubs to play in Cork with Blackrock, however, this rumour was unfounded.

At senior with Ballyhale Shefflin won a county title in 2006. He later added a Leinster club title to his collection when Ballyhale won the provincial title at the end of the year. The club later qualified for the All-Ireland final with Loughrea providing the opposition. Shefflin played a key role in that game and went on to collect a coveted All-Ireland club medal. [cite web|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2007/03/19/story28153.asp|title=Ballyhale boss eyes another All-Ireland |publisher=Irish Examiner|date=2007-03-19|accessdate=2008-09-17] In 2007 Ballyhale continued their winning ways with the club winning a second consecutive county title. Sehfflin played no role in this victory due to injury. His side were later defeated in the Leinster club semi-final by Birr. [cite web|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/breakingnews/2007/11/18/story337007.asp|title=Ballyhale Shamrocks in shock defeat |publisher=Irish Examiner|date=2007-11-18|accessdate=2008-09-17]

Inter-county

Shefflin first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the Kilkenny minor hurling team in the mid-1990s. He won back-to-back Leinster titles at this level in 1996 and 1997, however, Kilkenny were beaten at the semi-final stage of the All-Ireland series in both years. In 1997 Shefflin was also drafted into the Kilkenny intermediate panel. At this level he won consecutive Leinster titles in 1997 and 1998, however, once again an All-Ireland medal eluded him. By this stage he was also playing on the Kilkenny under-21 team. Here he won successive Leinster titles again in 1998 and 1999. Shefflin also won a coveted All-Ireland medal at this grade in 1999.

In 1999 Shefflin made his senior debut for Kilkenny under the new manager Brian Cody. That year he won his first Leinster title following a comprehensive victory over All-Ireland champions Offaly. Shefflin later lined out in his first All-Ireland final, with arch-rivals Cork providing the opposition. In an unexciting championship decider a Cork team, with an average age of 22, came back from four-points down to win the game by the narrowest of margins.

In 2000 Shefflin captured a second Leinster title as Kilkenny steamrolled Offaly once again in the provincial final. The two sides later met in the All-Ireland final, however, two goals from Shefflin helped ‘the Cats’ to secure a huge victory in one of the most one-sided finals in decades. As well as claiming a first All-Ireland medal Shefflin was also honoured with an All-Star award.

In 2001 he added a third successive Leinster medal to his collection as Kilkenny completely overpowered Wexford in the final. After such a huge win ‘the Cats’ were hot favourites to retain the title, however, Kilkenny were outsmarted by Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final.

‘The Cats’ bounced back in 2002 with Shefflin claiming a first National Hurling League medal. He subsequently claimed yet another Leinster title before later lining out in a third All-Ireland final. Clare, who were defeated in the first-round of the Munster championship but had made it to the final via the newly introduced qualifier system, put up a good fight. A combined tally of 2-13 for Shefflin and D.J. Carey gave Kilkenny a seven-point victory. Shortly after collecting his second All-Ireland medal he was presented with a second All-Star award. Shefflin also ended the year by being named ‘Hurler of the Year’ by Texaco, Vodafone and by his peers at the Gaelic Players’ Association.

In 2003 Shefflin captured a second National League title before alater winning a fifth consecutive Leinster medal. Kilkenny later faced Cork in an exciting and close All-Ireland final. The Leinstermen never lead by more than four-points and only secured victory with a late Martin Comerford goal. Shefflin won his third All-Ireland medal that day, however, surprisingly he was omitted from the All-Star selection.

In 2004 Kilkenny were aiming for an unprecedented third All-Ireland victory in-a-row, however, the team was now under severe pressure from all quarters. For the first time in seven years Kilkenny failed in their bid to become Leinster champions as a last-gasp Wexford goal ended an almost unprecedented run of success. Kilkenny took the scenic route via the qualifiers system, however, after a scare against Clare they still reached the All-Ireland final. Once again Cork provided the opposition on a gloomy and overcast day. The sides were level for much of the game, however, in the final twenty minutes Cork scored nine points without reply and secured the victory. Kilkenny ended the year with no silverware, however, in spite of this Shefflin was still presented with a third All-Star award.

Kilkenny were back in form in 2005 with Shefflin adding a third National League medal to his ever-growing collection. He later won a sixth Leinster title as ‘the Cats’ had a narrow win over reigning provincial champions Wexford. While a third successive All-Ireland showdown with Cork seemed extremely likely, Galway defeated Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final in one of the game’s of the decade. A fourth All-Star award was quickly added to Shefflin’s collection.

In 2006 he captured his fourth National League title in a close victory over Limerick. Shefflin later won his seventh Leinster title before lining out in the All-Ireland final. The game that everyone had predicted would happen in 2005 was now taking place as Cork squared up to Kilkenny for the third time in four years. The Leesiders were aiming for a third All-Ireland victory in-a-row; however, revenge was foremost in the minds of Kilkenny as it was Cork who denied their three-in-a-row bid in 2004. On the day Kilkenny were far too strong for Cork as 'the Cats' secured a 1-16 to 1-13 victory. [cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/5306504.stm|title=Cork 1-13 1-16 Kilkenny|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2006-09-03|accessdate=2008-09-17] It was Shefflin's fourth All-Ireland medal.

In 2007 Kilkenny were aiming for a third consecutive National League title. Shefflin, in spite of being appointed captain of the team, had played little part in the campaign but was brought in for the final. Waterford, however, triumphed in the final for the first time in forty-four years. Kilkenny moved on undeterred and Shefflin captured an eighth Leinster medal following another facile victory in the final. Once again Kilkenny later qualified for the final where, surprisingly, Limerick provided the opposition. Kilkenny got off to a flying start with Eddie Brennan and Shefflin scoring two goals within the first ten minutes. Unfortunately, Shefflin sustained an injury during the game and had to retire at half-time. In spite of losing their captain and star player Kilkenny still went on to win the game by 2-19 to 1-15 and Shefflin had the honour of collecting a fifth All-Ireland medal and receiving the Liam McCarthy Cup. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2007/0903/tomamccarthy.html |title=RTÉ Sport: Kilkenny 2-19 Limerick 1-15, by Tomás McCarthy|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=2007-09-03|accessdate=2008-09-17] It was later revealed that Shefflin ruptured a cruciate knee ligament which kept him out of action for his club until the following summer.

2008 saw Kilkenny launch an all-out attack in an attempt to capture a third All-Ireland title in-a-row. After missing the National League campaign because of injury Shefflin returned for the provincial campaign. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2008/0615/kilkenny_offaly.html |title=RTÉ Sport: Kilkenny 2-24 Offaly 0-12|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=2008-06-15|accessdate=2008-09-17] The team had an easy passage through the Leinster Championship, however, the opening half of the provincial final against Wexford gave ‘the Cats’ another minor scare. In the end Shefflin collected his ninth Leinster medal after a 5-21 to 0-17 victory. This victory allowed Kilkenny to advance directly to the All-Ireland semi-final where arch-rivals Cork were the opponents. The game was an interesting encounter; however, Kilkenny claimed a 1-23 to 0-17 victory. The subsequent All-Ireland final saw Kilkenny take on Waterford. It was their first meeting in the championship decider since 1963. A classic game of hurling was expected by many, however, Kilkenny started stronger. Two goals by Eddie Brennan after twenty minutes effectively killed the game, however, ‘the Cats’ ploughed on. Shefflin chipped in with some inspirational points to give his team an enormous 3-30 to 1-13. [cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2008/0907/kilkenny_waterford_tracker.html|title=Kilkenny 3-30 Waterford 1-13 matchtracker|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=2008-09-07|accessdate=2008-09-18] It was Shefflin's sixth All-Ireland medal.

Province

Shefflin has also lined out with Leinster in the inter-provincial hurling championship. He first played for his province in 1999, however, he had to wait anotehr few years before triumphing in that competition. Shefflin won his first Railway Cup medal in 2002 when Leinster defeated arch-rivals Munster. [cite web|url=http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2002/11/04/story437814953.asp|title=Railway Cup final: Rampant Leinster take Cup in style|publisher=Irish Examiner|date=2002-11-04|accessdate=2008-09-18] He won a second consecutive Railway Cup medal in 2003 when Leinster triumphed over the western province of Connacht.

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Records

Shefflin's scoring prowess has earned him a place on the top ten list of all-time scoring greats in hurling. He is currently in second position behind fellow Kilkenny great Eddie Keher and ahead of former Cork huler Christy Ring. He was the top scorer in the 2006 senior hurling championship.

Honours

Team awards

Ballyhale Shamrocks

*All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship:
**Winner (1): 2007
*Leinster Senior Club Hurling Championship:
**Winner (1): 2006
*Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship:
**Winner (2): 2006, 2007 (sub)
**Runner-up (1): 2005

Kilkenny

*All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship:
**Winner (6): 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008
**Runner-up (2): 1999, 2004
*Leinster Senior Hurling Championship:
**Winner (9): 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
*National Hurling League:
**Winner (4): 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006
**Runner-up (1): 2007
*Walsh Cup:
**Winner (3): 2005, 2006, 2007

Leinster

*Railway Cup:
**Winner (2): 2002, 2003
**Runner-up (1): 2000

ources

* Corry, Eoghan, "The GAA Book of Lists" (Hodder Headline Ireland, 2005).
* Donegan, Des, "The Complete Handbook of Gaelic Games" (DBA Publications Limited, 2005).

References

External links

* [http://www.gaa.ie/ Official GAA Website]
* [http://kilkenny.gaa.ie/2004/Allirlfinal/profiles/shefflin.htm/ Profile of Henry Shefflin]
* [http://www.hoganstand.com/Kilkenny/ Kilkenny GAA on Hogan Stand]
* [http://kilkenny.gaa.ie/ Official Kilkenny Website]
* [http://www.kilkennycats.com/ Kilkenny Supporters Website]

Teams

Navboxes
title=Henry Shefflin's teams and awards
list1=Kilkenny Hurling Team 1999