Henry Shefflin

Henry Shefflin
Personal information
Irish name Anraí Ó Sibhleáin
Sport Hurling
Position Left wing-forward
Born 11 January 1979 (1979-01-11) (age 33)
Waterford, Ireland
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Nickname King Henry, Sheff
Occupation Bank Official
Club(s)
Years Club
1997–present Ballyhale Shamrocks
Club Titles
Kilkenny titles 4
Leinster titles 3
All-Ireland Titles 2
Colleges(s)
Years College
1999–2002 WIT
College titles
Fitzgibbon titles 2
Inter-county(ies)**
Years County Apps (scores)
1999–present Kilkenny 55 (23–399)
Inter-county titles
Leinster titles 12
All Irelands 8
NHL 5
All Stars 10
**Inter County team apps and scores correct as of (21:47, 8 September 2008 (UTC)).

Henry Shefflin (born 11 January 1979, Ireland) 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.[1] The All-Ireland-winning captain of 2007, Shefflin is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time.[2][3]

Shefflin holds a host of hurling records, including that of being one of the most decorated players in Gaelic games history. In a senior inter-county career that has lasted since 1999 he has won eight All-Ireland titles,[4] twelve Leinster titles and five National Hurling League titles. Shefflin is also an All-Ireland-winner with his club and has also captured three Railway Cup titles with Leinster.

Shefflin's tally of goals and points from championship games marks him out as the highest scorer in championship history. He surpassed Christy Ring's record in 2007 and overtook fellow countyman Eddie Keher during the Leinster Semi-Final at Croke Park in 2010 to take the top spot on the all-time top scorers list. Shefflin has scored at least one Championship goal every year since making his debut;[5] he is the only player ever to score a goal in thirteen consecutive championship seasons.[5] On 21 June 2010, he became the all-time hurling Championship top scorer, surpassing Eddie Keher's record of 439 points with 12 points in the Leinster Championship against Dublin to take his total to 448 points in total (22 goals-382 points).[6]

Shefflin has also been the recipient of many awards and honours off the field. Since 2000 he has won a record ten All-Star awards. 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, the only amateur sportsperson on the award's shortlist.[7]

Contents

Biography

Early years

Henry Shefflin was born at the Regional Hospital Waterford to Henry and Mae Shefflin (née Fitzgerald). One of a family of four boys and three girls, he was born into a household that had a strong sporting background, particularly in the game of hurling.

Shefflin was educated at St. Patrick's national school in Ballyhale where his hurling skills were first noted and honed by the local headmaster, Joe Dunphy. As a child he saw his two older brothers line out with the Kilkenny hurlers at various grades. John Shefflin won an All-Ireland winners' medal in the minor grade in 1990, while Tommy Shefflin won an All-Ireland winners' medal in the under-21 grade that same year.[8][9] A younger brother, Paul Shefflin, also won Leinster minor medals in the late 1990s.

Shefflin later attended St. Kieran's College in Kilkenny, one of the most famous hurling nurseries in Ireland. Although regarded as an average hurler at the time, he finally broke onto the college senior team and won a Leinster title in 1996 before later lining out in the All-Ireland final. St. Colman's College, an equally famous hurling nursery in Cork, provided the opposition on that occasion. St. Kieran's were more than able for their opponents and recorded a 1–14 to 2–6 victory, giving Shefflin a coveted All-Ireland colleges' winners' medal and establishing him as a player of immense talent.

Shefflin 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.[10] Shefflin graduated with an honours degree.

Personal life

Shefflin currently works with New Holland Finance, a subsidiary of Bank of Ireland.[11] 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 of the country, including Tipperary, Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow and Kildare.

On 30 March 2007 Shefflin married Deirdre O'Sullivan, a native of Callan, County Kilkenny and a camogie player of note in her own right.[12] Just over a year later in April 2008 the Shefflins celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter named Sadhbh.[13] On 30 October 2009 Henry Michael Shefflin, the couple's second child and first son, was born.[14]

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. Ballyhale Shamrocks became one of the most successful clubs in the county following their foundation in the 1970s, however, by the late 1990s things were not so good. Shefflin enjoyed his first major success with the club when he captured a county minor championship winners' medal in 1997. That same year Ballyhale Shamrocks won the county intermediate hurling championship, thus securing promotion to the senior ranks once again.[15] Success at senior level was slow in coming. In 2004 it was even rumoured that he was moving clubs to play in Cork with Blackrock. This rumour proved to be unfounded.

At senior level with Ballyhale Shefflin won a county senior championship winners' medal in 2006.[16] 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.[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.[18]

In 2008 Ballyhale were the masters of Kilkenny club hurling once again. Shefflin remained injury-free for the entire season as he helped the club to qualify for a fourth consecutive club final. City rivals James Stephens provided the opposition on that occasion, however, a close game saw victory go to Shefflin's side. It was a third county title in-a-row for 'the Shamrocks'.[19] The club later qualified for the provincial club final, with old rivals Birr providing the opposition. In the end Ballyhale and a relatively comfortable 2–13 to 1–11 win, giving Shefflin a second Leinster club winners' medal.[20] Ballyhale Shamrocks were subsequently blitzed on a score line of 5–11 to 1–16 by Portumna in the All-Ireland semi-final.

In the 2009 Kilkenny club season the Shamrocks completed a four-in-a-row (defeating arch rivals, James Stephens in the final for the second year in succession), Shefflin playing a very large part in his club securing this record. He also contributed strongly to the Leinster club title being retained by the Shamrocks, the first time this was achieved in the Club's history. He was 'Man of the Match' in the All Ireland Club semi-final played in Thurles against the Cork champions, Newtownshandrum. This led to a highly anticapated re-match with Portumna, Shefflin contributed strongly from play & frees in a great team performance. [21]

Minor, under-21 & intermediate

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 a Leinster title in this grade in 1996 following a 1–16 to 1–11 defeat of Dublin.[22] Kilkenny were subsequently defeated in the All-Ireland semi-final. Shefflin was eligible for the minor team again in 1997. That year he added a second Leinster winners' medal to his collection following a 3–16 to 0–10 trouncing of Offaly.[23] Once again Kilkenny's championship campaign came to an end at the All-Ireland semi-final stage.

While just out of the minor grade Shefflin was drafted onto the Kilkenny intermediate hurling team in 1998. That year he captured a Leinster title following a 3–13 to 0–11 defeat of Wexford.[24] Shefflin later lined out in the All-Ireland final with Limerick providing the opposition. An interesting game developed between thesetwo sides, however, at the final whistle victory went to Limerick by 4–16 to 2–17 and Shefflin was left with an All-Ireland runners-up medal.[25]

By this stage Shefflin was also a member of the Kilkenny under-21 team. He captured a Leinster winners' medal in this grade in 1998 following a close-run 2–10 to 0–12 victory over Dublin.[26] Kilkenny were later defeated in the All-Ireland semi-final. The following year Shefflin added a second Leinster under-21 title to his collection following an eleven-point drubbing of Offaly.[26] Kilkenny later breezed into the All-Ireland final with Galway providing the opposition. A close game followed, however, at the full-time whistle Kilkenny were the winners by 1–13 to 0–14 and Shefflin had captured a coveted All-Ireland winners' medal.[27]

Senior

In 1999 Shefflin made his senior debut for Kilkenny under the new manager Brian Cody.[4] Even in his debut season he was regarded as a prolific scorer. A first provincial final saw Shefflin score a total of 1–6 against reigning All-Ireland champions Offaly. A huge 5–14 to 1–16 victory over their near rivals gave Kilkenny the win and gave Shefflin his first Leinster winners' medal.[28] Shefflin later lined out in his first All-Ireland final at senior level. Arch-rivals Cork provided the opposition on the occasion of his maiden championship decider. 'The Cats' were the red-hot favourites going into the game, however, poor weather meant that the game would not live up to expectations. Both Cork and Kilkenny recorded seventeen wides apiece throughout the match. Kilkenny led by four points entering the last quarter, however, Cork fought back to secure a narrow 0–13 to 0–12 victory over Shefflin's side.[29]

In 2000 Shefflin lined out in a second consecutive Leinster final against Offaly. Once again it was Kilkenny who had the upper-hand and a comfortable 2–21 to 1–13 victory gave Shefflin a second Leinster winners' medal. As a result of the so-called 'back-door' system in the championship both sides later faced off against each other again in the All-Ireland final. D.J. Carey capitalised on an Offaly mistake after just six minutes to start a goal-fest for 'the Cats'. Carey scored 2–4 in all, sharing his second goal with Shefflin who also scored a goal in the second-half. At the full-time whistle KIlkenny were the champions by 5–15 to 1–14 and Shefflin had collected his first All-Ireland winners' medal. He was subsequently honoured with his first All-Star award.

In 2001 Kilkenny retained their provincial crown following a facile 2–19 to 0–12 defeat of Wexford.[30] While Kilkenny were expected to reach the All-Ireland final and retain their title, an unexpected defeat by Galway in the All-Ireland semi-final brought their campaign to an end.

Kilkenny recovered from this shock defeat and signalled their intent by getting into the final of the National Hurling League in 2002. Cork provided the opposition on that occasion and a close game developed. Shefflin chipped in with three points to help Kilkenny to a 2–15 to 2–14 victory.[31] It was his first National League title. The subsequent provincial championship saw Kilkenny play Wexford in the championship decider. The men from the 'model county' were far from a push-over on this occasion, however, a narrow 0–19 to 0–17 score line gave Kilkenny the win and gave Shefflin a fourth Leinster title.[32] A subsequent victory over Tipperary allowed Kilkenny to advance to another All-Ireland final. First-round losers Clare worked their way through the qualifier system and provided the opposition to 'the Cats'. There was no doubt in the pundits' minds that there would be anything but a Kilkenny victory. Shefflin and D.J. Carey combined to score 2–13, while Clare's forwards missed two easy goal chances. At the full-time whistle Kilkenny were the champions by 2–20 to 0–19.[33] Shortly after collecting his second All-Ireland winners' medal Shefflin was presented with a second All-Star award. He 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 Kilkenny's dominance of all hurling competitions continued. For the second consecutive year Shefflin's side qualified for the final of the National League. Old rivals Tipperary were the opponents and a cracking game of hurling developed between the two. Shefflin was his side's top scorer with 2–6, as Kilkenny claimed a narrow 5–14 to 5–13 victory.[34] It was Shefflin's second National League winners' medal. The Leinster hurling counties provided little opposition in the subsequent championship campaign and Kilkenny marched to yet another Leinster title. The 2–23 to 2–12 defeat of Wexford gave Shefflin a fifth consecutive Leinster winners' medal.[35] Subsequent success over Tipperary gave Kilkenny a save passage into an All-Ireland final showdown with Cork. Shefflin's side were the overwhelming favourites going into the game, however, they never led by more than four points at any stage of the game. Setanta Ó hAilpín scored the equalising goal for Cork after the restart, however, Martin Comerford's goal five miutes before the end clinched a 1–14 to 1–11 victory for Kilkenny.[36] It was Shefflin's third All-Ireland winners' medal in four years. A third All-Star award quickly followed.

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 at the semi-final stage.[37] Kilkenny took the scenic route via the qualifiers system, however, after a scare against Clare they still reached the All-Ireland final. For the second year in-a-row 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.[38] 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 and duly qualified for the National League final. Clare were the opponents on that occasion, however, they provided little opposition for 'the Cats'. Kilkenny went on a scoring rampage, with Shefflin capturing 1–7, to secure a 3–20 to 0–15 victory and a third National League title in the decade.[39] Kilkenny later proved that the 2004 defeat in Leinster was just a temporary blip. A 0–22 to 1–16 defeat of Wexford in the final gave Kilkenny possession of the provincial title and gave Shefflin a sixth Leinster winners' medal.[40] While a third successive All-Ireland showdown with Cork seemed likely, Galway defeated Kilkenny in the All-Ireland semi-final in one of the game's of the decade. In spite of failing to reach the championship decider a fifth All-Star award was quickly added to Shefflin's collection.

In 2006 Shefflin captured a fourth National League title in five years following a 3–11 to 0–14 victory over Limerick.[41] Shefflin later won his seventh Leinster title following another facile victory over Wexford, 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.[42] It was Shefflin's fourth All-Ireland winners' medal. A sixth All-Star award in the forward line quickly followed.

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 combining to score 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.[43] It was later revealed that he ruptured a cruciate knee ligament which kept him out of action for his club until the following summer. Shefflin later captured a seventh All-Star award, a record-breaking sixth in succession.[44]

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 his injury Shefflin returned for the provincial campaign.[45] 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 winners' 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. It was the first time that these two sides had met outside of the championship decider, 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 in forty-five years. 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.[46] It was Shefflin's sixth All-Ireland winners' medal. A record-breaking seventh consecutive All-Star award soon followed for Shefflin as Kilkenny dominated the team of the year selection. It was his eighth All-Star in all.[47]

With the three-in-a-row taken care of, 2009 Kilkenny set out to break Cork's seemingly unbeatable record of four championship titles in succession. Tipperary were seen as the main challengers to Kilkenny's dominance and both sides lined out against each other in the final of the National League. Tipperary stormed into a decisive lead as they took the game by the scruff of the; however, 'the Cats' clawed their way back into the game. At the end of normal time both sides were level. A period of extra-time followed, however, in spite of battling to the very end Tipp were beaten and Kilkenny won by 2–26 to 4–17.[48] It was Shefflin's fifth National League winners' medal. The subsequent championship campaign saw 'the Cats' line out against Dublin in the Leinster final. In the absence of regular captain Michael Fennelly, Shefflin took over as skipper. While many expected 'the Dubs' to be lambs to the slaughter in that game, Kilkenny found it difficult to cope. It took two goals from Martin Comerford to secure a 2–18 to 0–18 victory and a tenth Leinster winners' medal for Shefflin.[49] After a six-week lay-off and a thrilling semi-final with Waterford, Kilkenny qualified for a fourth successive final and the chance to make history. In a repeat of the league final, Tipperary were the opponents. For much of the match it looked as if Tipp would pull off a shock and deny 'the Cats' a record-equaling four-in-a-row. Two quick goals in the space of a minute, one from a penalty by Shefflin, sealed a 2–22 to 0–23 victory. It was the fourth time in-a-row that the famed Liam McCarthy Cup was presented to a Kilkenny team.[50] It was also Shefflin's seventh All-Ireland medal, one off the all-time record.

On 10 August 2010, it was confirmed that Shefflin would miss the 2010 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final due to a cruciate ligament injury in his left knee, which he picked up in the 3–22 to 0–19 semi-final win against Cork.[51] However, Shefflin lined out for the final against Tipperary, though after scoring an early free his knee again gave out and he was replaced after 12 minutes. The bid for five-in-a-row foundered with Tipperary taking the championship by a 4–17 to 1–18 margin. However, in 2011 Shefflin reached unprecedented heights for a Kilkenny player when on 4th September, he won his 8th All-Ireland Championship medal as an All-Ireland Final player and thus joined the most illustrious group of hurlers in the history of the game, sharing his record with long-time holders Christy Ring of Cork and John Doyle of Tipperary. He later broke another record by picking up a 10th GAA/GPA All Stars Award.[52]

Inter-provincial

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 another few years before triumphing in that competition. Shefflin won his first Railway Cup medal in 2002 when Leinster defeated arch-rivals Munster.[53] He won a second consecutive Railway Cup medal in 2003 when Leinster triumphed over the western province of Connacht. Shefflin captured a third Railway Cup winners medal in 2009 when the game was played in Abu Dhabi, again beating Connacht.

Championship appearances

List of Appearances
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result W/L Competition
1 20 June 1999 Croke Park, Dublin Laois 0–10 6–21 : 1–14 W Leinster Semi-Final
2 11 July 1999 Croke Park, Dublin Offaly 1–6 5–11 : 1–16 W Leinster Final
3 15 August 1999 Croke Park, Dublin Clare 0–3 2–14 : 1–13 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
4 12 September 1999 Croke Park, Dublin Cork 0–5 0–12 : 0–13 L All-Ireland Final
5 19 June 2000 Croke Park, Dublin [54] Dublin 0–6 3–16 : 0–10 W Leinster Semi-Final
6 9 July 2000 Croke Park, Dublin Offaly 0–6 2–21 : 1–13 W Leinster Final
7 13 August 2000 Croke Park, Dublin Galway 0–7 2–19 : 0–17 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
8 10 September 2000 Croke Park, Dublin Offaly 1–3 5–15 : 1–14 W All-Ireland Final
9 10 June 2001 Croke Park, Dublin Offaly 1–6 3–21 : 0–18 W Leinster Semi-Final
10 8 July 2001 Croke Park, Dublin Wexford 0–4 2–19 : 0–12 W Leinster Final
11 19 August 2001 Croke Park, Dublin Galway 0–9 1–13 : 2–15 L All-Ireland Semi-Final
12 10/06/2002 Semple Stadium, Thurles Offaly 0–11 2–20 : 1–14 W Leinster Semi-Final
13 6 July 2002 Croke Park, Dublin Wexford 0–8 0–19 : 0–17 W Leinster Final
14 18 August 2002 Croke Park, Dublin Tipperary 0–7 1–20 : 1–16 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
15 8 September 2002 Croke Park, Dublin Clare 1–7 2–20 : 0–19 W All-Ireland Final
16 6 June 2003 Nowlan Park, Kilkenny Dublin 1–4 3–16 : 0–10 W Leinster Semi-Final
17 6 July 2003 Croke Park, Dublin Wexford 1–8 2–23 : 1–22 W Leinster Final
18 17 August 2003 Croke Park, Dublin Tipperary 1–7 3–18 : 0–15 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
19 11 September 2003 Croke Park, Dublin Cork 0–6 1–14 : 1–11 W All-Ireland Final
20 13 June 2004 Croke Park, Dublin Wexford 0–5 1–16 : 2–15 L Leinster Semi-Final
21 26 June 2004 Dr. Cullen Park, Carlow Dublin 2–8 4–22 : 0–8 W All-Ireland Qualifier R1
22 11 July 2004 Semple Stadium, Thurles Galway 2–11 4–20 : 1–10 W All-Ireland Qualifier R3
23 25 July 2004 Croke Park, Dublin Clare 0–9 1–13 : 1–13 D All-Ireland Quarter Final
24 31 July 2004 Semple Stadium, Thurles Clare 0–3 1–11 : 0–9 W All-Ireland Quarter-Final Replay
25 8 August 2004 Croke Park, Dublin Waterford 2–4 3–12 : 0–18 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
26 12 September 2004 Croke Park, Dublin Cork 0–5 0–9 : 0–17 L All-Ireland Final
27 3 July 2005 Croke Park, Dublin Offaly 2–11 6–28 : 0–15 W Leinster Semi-Final
28 3 July 2005 Croke Park, Dublin Wexford 0–8 0–22 : 1–16 W Leinster Final
29 31 July 2005 Croke Park, Dublin Limerick 0–9 0–18 : 0–13 W All-Ireland Quarter-Final
30 21 August 2005 Croke Park, Dublin Galway 1–9 4–18 : 5–18 L All-Ireland Semi-Final
31 10 June 2006 Cusack Park, Mullingar Westmeath 0–8 1–27 : 1–13 W Leinster Semi-Final
32 2 July 2006 Croke Park, Dublin Wexford 1–7 1–23 : 1–12 W Leinster Final
33 22 July 2006 Semple Stadium, Thurles Galway 0–11 2–22 : 3–14 W All-Ireland Quarter-Final
34 13 August 2006 Croke Park, Dublin Clare 1–13 2–21 : 1–16 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
35 3 September 2006 Croke Park, Dublin Cork 0–8 1–16 : 1–13 W All-Ireland Final
36 10 June 2007 O'Moore Park, Portlaoise Offaly 0–12 1–27 : 1–13 W Leinster Semi-Final
37 1 July 2007 Croke Park, Dublin Wexford 0–9 2–24 : 1–12 W Leinster Final
38 28 July 2007 Croke Park, Dublin Galway 0–7 3–22 : 1–18 W All-Ireland Quarter-Final
39 5 August 2007 Croke Park, Dublin Wexford 0–14 0–23 : 1–13 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
40 2 September 2007 Croke Park, Dublin Limerick 1–2 2–19 : 1–15 W All-Ireland Final
41 15 June 2008 O'Moore Park, Portlaoise Offaly 0–11 2–24 : 0–12 W Leinster Semi-Final
42 6 July 2008 Croke Park, Dublin Wexford 1–7 5–21 : 0–17 W Leinster Final
43 10 August 2008 Croke Park, Dublin Cork 0–9 1–23 : 0–17 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
44 7 September 2008 Croke Park, Dublin Waterford 0–8 3–30 : 1–13 W All-Ireland Final
45 21 June 2009 O'Connor Park, Tullamore Galway 0–10 2–20 : 3–13 W Leinster Semi-Final
46 5 July 2009 Croke Park, Dublin Dublin 0–6 2–18 : 0–18 W Leinster Final
47 9 August 2009 Croke Park, Dublin Waterford 1–14 2–23 : 3–15 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
48 6 September 2009 Croke Park, Dublin Tipperary 1–8 2–22 : 0–23 W All-Ireland Final
49 20 June 2010 Croke Park, Dublin Dublin 0–12 4–19 : 0–12 W Leinster Semi-Final
50 4 July 2010 Croke Park, Dublin Galway 1-07 1–19 : 1–12 W Leinster Final
51 8 August 2010 Croke Park, Dublin Cork 0-02 3–22 : 0–19 W All-Ireland Semi-Final
52 5 September 2010 Croke Park, Dublin Tipperary 0-01 1–18 : 4–17 L All-Ireland Final
53 12 June 2011 Wexford Park, Wexford Wexford 0-09 1–26 : 1–15 W Leinster Semi-Final
54 03 July 2011 Croke Park, Dublin Dublin 1-09 4–17 : 1–15 W Leinster Final
55 07 August 2011 Croke Park, Dublin Waterford 0-07 2-19 : 1–16 W All Ireland Semi-Final
56 04 September 2011 Croke Park, Dublin Tipperary 0-07 2-17 : 1–16 W All Ireland Final
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Scoring Total
Rank Scores Games Average
1st 24–413 (485pts) 56 games 8.66

Honours

St. Kieran's College

Waterford Institute of Technology

Ballyhale Shamrocks

Kilkenny

Leinster

Individual

Records

Sources

References

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  3. ^ "Henry Shefflin and Jack O'Shea reign supreme as our search for the top hurler and footballer of the past 125 years concludes". Irish Independent. 2009-11-07. http://www.independent.ie/sport/other-sports/henry-shefflin-and-jack-oshea-reign-supreme-as-our-search-for-the-top-hurler-and-footballer-of-the-past-125-years-concludes-1936692.html. Retrieved 2009-11-07. 
  4. ^ a b "125 Most Influential People In GAA History". Sunday Tribune. 2009-01-04. http://www.tribune.ie/article/2009/jan/04/125-most-influential-people-in-gaa-history-125-101. Retrieved 2009-01-20. 
  5. ^ a b McGough, Leo; Kieran Shannon (16 August 2009). "When Sunday Comes". Sunday Tribune: p. 9 (Sport). http://www.tribune.ie/sport/hurling/article/2009/aug/16/when-sunday-comes/. Retrieved 17 August 2009. 
  6. ^ Moran, Seán (2010-06-21). "Kilkenny expose huge gulf in class". The Irish Times (Irish Times Trust). http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0621/1224272953332.html. Retrieved 2010-06-21. 
  7. ^ "Shefflin named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year". RTÉ Sport. 2006-12-17. http://www.rte.ie/sport/2006/1217/shefflinh.html. Retrieved 2008-09-18. 
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Awards
Preceded by
Tommy Dunne
(Tipperary)		 Vodafone Hurler of the Year
2002		 Succeeded by
J. J. Delaney
(Kilkenny)
Texaco Hurler of the Year
2002
Gaelic Players' Association
Hurler of the Year
2002
Preceded by
Jerry O'Connor
(Cork)		 Vodafone Hurler of the Year
2006		 Succeeded by
Dan Shanahan
(Waterford)
Texaco Hurler of the Year
2006
Preceded by
John Gardiner
(Cork)		 Gaelic Players' Association
Hurler of the Year
2006
Preceded by
Seán Óg Ó hAilpín		 RTÉ Sports Person of the Year
2006		 Succeeded by
Pádraig Harrington
Sporting positions
Preceded by
Jackie Tyrrell		 Kilkenny Senior Hurling Captain
2007		 Succeeded by
James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick
Preceded by
James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick		 Kilkenny Senior Hurling Captain
2009		 Succeeded by
Michael Fennelly
Preceded by
Michael Fennelly		 Kilkenny Senior Hurling Captain
2009		 Succeeded by
Michael Fennelly
Achievements
Preceded by
Jackie Tyrrell		 All-Ireland Senior Hurling
winning captain
2007		 Succeeded by
James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick

External links

Teams