Adrian Mullen excited about Henry Shefflin's appointment as Kilkenny manager
Pictured is AIB ambassador Adrian Mullen (Ballyhale Shamrocks) at the launch of the AIB GAA, LGFA, and Camogie All-Ireland Club Championships. As the first sponsor to support the four codes of Gaelic Games at a national level, this season, AIB continues to celebrate the players and people behind them who make club life so special.
By Cian O’Connell
Intrigue is always attached to the Kilkenny SHC Final. The 2026 edition, though, features two proud clubs, who have shared 41 titles between them. Ballyhale Shamrocks have collected 21, Tullaroan’s tally is 20, but they are getting ready for a first decider since 1994.
So, Sunday’s showpiece is eagerly anticipated at UPMC Nowlan Park. Adrian Mullen has starred at county, provincial, and national level for Ballyhale, and acknowledges that the upcoming game is capturing the imagination. “It's nice to be looking forward to a county final, first of all, you've two traditional teams, at the top of the roll of honour,” Mullen says.
“That definitely adds a bit of spice to it for the spectators and the media. We just have to concentrate on training and sharpening the tools for then.
“Whatever about it meaning so much to us, what it means to the club and the parish as a whole. The joy it brings to people is another factor to it. For us as players, it's definitely important to get back there and for the community, too.”
Shamrocks’ tradition and winning culture matters deeply. “You wouldn't be focused on it, but now that you mention it, probably it does inspire the next generation,” Mullen responds.
“If I even think of my own experience, when I was younger, you'd be looking at lads winning county finals and club All-Irelands.
“Naturally enough, it definitely puts a feeling in you, that you want to be there, and you want to be doing that for the club. It probably does inspire the younger generation.”
Kilkenny's Adrian Mullen during the Leinster SHC clash against Dublin at Parnell Park in May. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
As a player and manager, Henry Shefflin enjoyed success with the club. Shefflin’s appointment as Kilkenny senior hurling manager is a significant topic of conversation. “It is massive, it is exciting for Henry to be coming in, and the management team he's after putting together,” Mullen says.
“It is exciting to see; can we improve on last year? A lot of that is down to the players ourselves, to see can we improve?
“Can we learn from last year? You do a bit of soul searching to see can we improve as individuals too, and to see what we can bring to the table next year.”
The 2026 Leinster SHC ended early for Kilkenny. “That reflection part starts as soon as you hit the dressing room after the losing in Parnell Park,” Mullen says.
“It's not a position any of us want to be in or any player wants to be in. You can't go back in time, all you can do is learn from that, to see and reflect on it. You look at yourself in the mirror, to see what you can improve on, and see what needs to be improved.
“It probably does start individually and then as a collective. Once Henry and his management team come in, that will be a collective thing. Individually, you will see what you can improve on and see what you can learn from.”
Mullen is ready, willing, and able for action with club and county.
