Henry Shefflin sees crossing the divide to become a Sunday Game analyst as a way of staying involved with the All-Ireland Championship he graced for 16 years as a Kilkenny hurler.
The 36-year-old won 10 All-Ireland titles during an inter-county career stretching back to 1999, a reign at the top he brought to an end after winning titles with club and county in 2014.
"It’s not for everyone, but for me, I want to be involved in the championship"
Speaking about the decision to join the ranks of analysts in a special interview with Michael Lyster for the launch of the Sunday Game, Shefflin said: "I did think strongly about. It’s not for everyone, but for me, I want to be involved in the championship. It’s been such a part of my life and I feel that, with yourself and the team, I will be a part of the championship this year."
Having devoted himself to Kilkenny for over 15 years, Shefflin is forward to taking in other aspects of the championship.
"I’ll be going to things like Munster Championship games, games that I wouldn’t have gone to before because I was always playing and preparing for Kilkenny. That’s not to say I won’t miss playing but I am looking forward to that."
Shefflin remains comfortable with his decision to quit playing, with that double success for Ballyhale and Kilkenny providing the perfect sign off to his inter-county career.
"I couldn’t have asked for a better time. I grew up in Ballyhale and when I was growing up winning a club All-Ireland was my main focus. To achieve both of those goals in the same year was special. I took a step back from the bubble of playing at the top level and made my decision. A few weeks on now, I’m very comfortable with that. There hasn’t been one passing day yet where I’ve thought 'I’d love to be in there' or 'did I do the right thing?'."
It’s not always easy being a Sunday Game analyst but Shefflin is prepared for the change from being on the receiving end of commentary to giving it out.
"For me when I used to sit back and watch the programme, if there was analysis of my performance which I might not have been happy about, at the end of the day, more than likely I was thinking the same thing myself. It’s part and parcel of it.
“GAA people... that’s the great thing about it, everyone has a voice and I’m just one."
Despite a raft of retirements in Kilkenny, Shefflin believes the Cats will still be a major player in the championship if they can get their best team on the pitch.
"Brian said it earlier in the year, they are in transition. But there is still the basis of a very strong team there. There are players getting an opportunity now who might not have got it in the last few years and it’s really up to them. The spine of the team is still very strong.
"I would say that they can’t afford to have injuries like before because the depth in the team is not as strong."
However, his own retirement and the departures of the likes of JJ Delaney and Tommy Walsh could be turned into a positive.
"Yes, there are a lot of players gone but it might be a great motivation for the other players to say 'we can do it without those lads'."
