Henry Shefflin will decide on his intercounty future within the next week. Speaking after his club Ballyhale had captured the All-Ireland title with a comprehensive win over Limerick champions Kilmallock – his 13th All-Ireland winning medal – he was asked about whether he would be going back with Kilkenny.

“Ah sure look, we’ll be all glad when it’s all over and the decision is made. I’m fed up with ye asking and ye are probably fed up with me putting it off and at least we have come to a final and this is it now. I’m going to enjoy the celebrations for a day or two and then this weekend I am going to reflect on it and make my decision then within the next week.

“That’s the way I have to make it and we can’t put it off any longer so you know I have been in the privileged position to be able to keep pushing it off because we did so well with the club so you know I am very happy with where I am at, so it’s just make my mind up time.

“Yeah, exactly as you say. It’s the perfect platform; to win an All-Ireland, a third with your club, but then you’re saying to yourself that it’s the end of March so the season is nearly over – it’s really rocking on.

“I suppose the decision I have to make is whether or not I am going to go back with Kilkenny and it’s a decision I am going to make very quickly.”

Kilkenny will be in the Division One A relegation final at the end of the month against Clare or Dublin and on Sunday face Clare in the final divisional match of the season.