The greatest ever? Nine All-Ireland titles, 12 All-Stars and the title of leading scorer in the history of the hurling championship (by more than 100 points) would suggest yes. Here are five our favourite Henry Shefflin moments.
Point v Tipperary, All-Ireland semi-final, 2002
There was nothing particularly special about this score against Tipp in the semi-final, just a simple catch direct from a puck-out and a fairly straightforward tap over the bar, but it is doing the simple things well repeatedly that has made Henry the player he is.
Also, it was a vital score on the day as it knocked the wind out of Tipp immediately after they had got within a point; including Shefflin’s score, Kilkenny outscored them by four points to one in the closing stages to secure a place in yet another All-Ireland Final.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWl4kQ4Uw6U
Goal v Tipperary, All-Ireland Final, 2009
This might have been ‘just’ a penalty, but the Cats were two points down with only seven minutes remaining when King Henry stepped up, but as was the case throughout his career, the pressure had little effect as he blasted it past Brendan Cummins to inspire a late Kilkenny comeback. The Kilkenny fans behind the goal were in little doubt as to where it was going to end up...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a74RMGL_c8E
Point v Cork, National League, 2011
Swatting away Cork defenders as if they were mere flies in a powerful run from his own half, Henry produced the most delightful dummy to fool Tom Kenny before swinging the sliotar over the bar. Majestic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fja6HZDdBXQ
Being compared to Lionel Messi by Eamon Dunphy, 2013
We’re sure Leo was honoured by the comparison when he heard about it…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWK5XjU3Rfg
Sublime touch v Galway, National League, 2014
What do you do when the sliotar is flying towards you through the air at breakneck speed? Pull on it? Duck? Nah, just do like Henry did and caress it into your path with the deftest of touches before setting up a score for the onrushing TJ Reid. Class.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWvsyaXF-wo
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