Kilkenny’s quest for an historic five-in-a-row received a welcome boost this week as talismanic forward Henry Shefflin came through Wednesday’s training session and put his name forward for All-Ireland final day.
The Ballyhale man has been struggling with a cruciate ligament injury sustained in the semi-final clash with Cork three weeks ago and looked an unlikely participant.
But more than 7,000 supporters flocked to Nowlan Park on Wednesday evening to witness the hurling icon’s return to training.
The Kilkenny senior hurling team has been plagued with injuries in the run up to the final with Shefflin, John Tennyson, Tommy Walsh, Richie Power, Brian Hogan all fighting the clock to be fit for September 5. However after Wednesday’s training a ray of light has shone on the team with all but Hogan looking fit for final day.
Earlier this week Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody refused to rule out Shefflin’s return but told the Advertiser, “it will take a miracle for Henry to be fit and ready”. And now it seems a miracle could be on the cards.
However, it wasn’t all good news for the Cats, with Brian Hogan suffering a suspected broken finger and he is now a major doubt for the match with Tipperary.
Speaking to the Kilkenny Advertiser after Wednesday’s training session, senior hurling selector Martin Fogarty said there were now 33 players available for selection.
“We now have 33 players for selection for All-Ireland Sunday. We hope to have 34 players for the final, and we’re hoping Brian Hogan’s injury doesn’t rule him out,” he said, stressing that the final team hadn’t been chosen yet.
“Wednesday’s training confirmed our fit players, however come Saturday we’ll know for sure who’s fully fit and ready to play. There’s no such thing as half ready, a player is either fit and ready or is injured and is not available.
“We haven’t had it easy as a team this year and it’s very unfortunate that we’ve been hit with injuries so close to the final. However, things appear to be looking up and come September 5 it’s all to play for.”
Former Kilkenny hurling great and Advertiser columnist Charlie Carter spoke of his delight at seeing Shefflin tog out for training on Wednesday night.
“I'd say about 7,000 people made their way to the Park for a glimpse of their injured heroes,” he writes in this week’s column.
“John Tennyson was the first to appear. He took his place as normal and proceeded to puck the ball across the field, then a few minutes later came the moment everyone had come to see.
“That was of course Kilkenny's hurling icon Henry Shefflin running out to take his place. Needless to say the place erupted at the sight of the seven times All-Ireland medal winner joining his colleagues.
