Kilkenny SHC: ‘It's kill or be killed’ - Shefflin opens up on the Shamrocks winning mentality
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Evan Shefflin has praised the defensive effort that laid the foundations for Shamrocks Ballyhale’s victory
Shamrocks Ballyhale’s Evan Shefflin has credited the ‘kill or be killed’ mentality as key to the club’s remarkable consistency as they continue to set the standard in Kilkenny hurling.
Shamrocks Ballyhale were crowned champions for a 22nd time after overcoming Tullaroan in the senior hurling decider on Sunday, retaining their title and becoming the first time winners of the new Tom Walsh Cup in the process.
“At the end of the day, we won, regardless of the scoreline. It's a fantastic day for Ballyhale and the community,” Shefflin told Kilkenny People Sport.
“That was what we set out to do at the start of the year, win the county championship. We came here today thinking the same thing,” he said, stressing that the Shamrocks could not afford to take their foot off the gas against a Tullaroan side boasting considerable quality in attack.
“You have to be consistent, because Tullaroan are a fantastic team and, if you don't keep going, they're going to come at you. The calibre of forwards they have is unbelievable. It's kill or be killed, to be honest. That's the attitude you have to have going out there every single day, and today was no different.”
Reflecting on the champions’ performance, the wing-back praised the defensive effort that laid the foundations for their victory.
“We played what was in front of us, to be honest. I felt like the backs really dug in during the first half and we really got stuck into them. That was a massive thing, and I think the win in the first half really helped.”
Having watched other clubs lift the trophy in recent years, Shefflin admitted their latest county title was every bit as special as previous successes.
“I don't know if it does differ, because the first is always as good as the last. We'll enjoy it just as much as we did back in 2018. It's a great day for Ballyhale, first and foremost, and we just hope for these days to keep coming.”
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