Cruciate rules Shefflin out of All-Ireland

Henry Shefflin has been ruled out of the All-Ireland hurling final after it was confirmed today that the 31-year-old severed a cruciate ligament during Kilenny’s semi-final victory over Cork on Sunday.

Shefflin received the news from orthoepaedic surgeon Dr Tadhg O’Sullivan today that his season was over.

In 2007 Shefflin limped out of the All-Ireland final when he also ruptured a ligament. On that occasion the damage was to the right knee, but this time it is the left one.

“I am so disappointed I don’t know how I feel,” Shefflin said when he revealed the news. “I am devastated. I was hoping against hope that it was something else but the surgeon has confirmed my worst fears.”

Shefflin was struck down by injury in the 25th minute after he had made a terrific opening to the game, contesting a high ball and then he came crashing down on his left leg.

“I heard some pop. I had an idea I was in a bit of trouble but I was hoping it wasn’t what I feared it might be,” he said.