Kilkenny manager Brian Cody paid tribute to the late Paul Shefflin this evening describing the Ballyhale Shamrocks clubman as “a terrific hurler” and “very popular figure”.

Paul, who was the brother of Kilkenny hurling great Henry Shefflin, died while out running yesterday afternoon leaving the entire Ballyhale community and Kilkenny GAA itself shocked and saddened by his sudden passing.

Speaking ahead of the Cats’ Allianz League clash with Dublin at Parnell Park this evening, Cody said:

“A really, really sad time for Ballyhale, the whole of Kilkenny and obviously all hurling people everywhere.

“The Shefflin family are synonymous with the game and Paul was a terrific hurler himself and obviously a very popular figure around the whole place.”

Ex-Kilkenny star Jackie Tyrrell also commented on RTE before the game: "When the news trickled through yesterday, you're asking the question: why? All the things you alluded to - a great club man, a great family man, and possibly because of Henry's success he was possibly overshadowed.

"You look at his list of honours, with three club All-Irelands. A great club man, coaching and treasurer of the club. I played against Paul a few times, he was a real tough cookie, but a gentleman off the hurling field.

"It's a sad, sad day for a community like Ballyhale that have had a lot of tragedy down throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shefflin family and all the communities associated with Ballyhale GAA tonight."

Brian Cody and Mattie Kenny give their thoughts ahead of this evening's Division 1 Group B clash in Parnell Park - watch live on @rte2 and @rteplayer #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/zQ3PiDujQQ

— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) March 5, 2022

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