HENRY SHEFFLIN WAS “an extraordinary ambassador” and “a true role model for all aspiring athletes,” the Gaelic Players Association said as they paid tribute to the retiring Kilkenny icon.

Shefflin, 36, confirmed his inter-county retirement this afternoon and called time on a unsurpassed career which saw him win 10 senior All-Ireland titles.

The GPA led the tributes to King Henry with a statement that perfectly captures his legacy:

The Gaelic Players Association would like to pay tribute to Henry Shefflin on his retirement from inter-county hurling.As the most successful GAA player of all time, Henry has been an extraordinary ambassador not alone for Gaelic games and its great amateur players but for Irish sport in general.

His enduring dedication, including overcoming two career-threatening injuries, has inspired a generation on and off the playing field. His untouchable legacy is unlikely ever to be eclipsed.

A true role model for all aspiring athletes, Henry’s exceptional competitive zeal has always been underpinned by great sportsmanship and integrity. It is most fitting that, at 36 years of age, he was afforded the privilege of closing this chapter in his life as an All-Ireland champion with Ballyhale.

As a legendary figure in the Irish sporting world we hope that Henry’s career, in time, is given due recognition by the State through a long-awaited honours system for our sporting heroes. However, he will certainly never be forgotten by the GAA family.

We would like to wish Henry the very best of luck in his county retirement and his continued involvement with his club.

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