HENRY LINK FLATTERING ADMITS REID

Former team-mate Eoin

Larkin said this week that Reid – after spearheading Kilkenny’s run to a League title – was at “a higher level” right now than Shefflin in his prime.

“It’s great I suppose to be there up there with Henry, he was my idol that I tried to mimic as much as I could,” said Reid of his

Ballyhale

Shamrocks clubmate

(below).

“Look, I’m not

Henry Shefflin, I’m my own player, I’m very different to Henry.

“I’m just performing and leading my team as best as I can, there’s no pressure, I’m just going out enjoying my game and doing what I do best and that’s hurling.

“It’s about winning ball, winning dirty ball and that’s what I’m about.

“It’s obviously nice to hear those things, to sense and know you’re doing something right, it does help your confidence when you hear people talking like that but look, you put that to bed fairly quickly because you’re only as good as your last game.”

Reid’s form has been aided by concentrating solely on his business, TJ Reid Health and Fitness, having previously combined with a sales rep

job. “I was up at half five, opened the gym at half six, making sure things and operations are in place for all the staff and then going on the road for a few hours and then back to the gym and what not and then try to go training. “Probably mentally I was tired, that’s all gone now. “Playing sport, it’s all about having a routine and last year I was going from here to there with the two jobs.

“This year I’m just in the gym and hurling so it’s a lot easier, you’re in a routine now and energy levels are a lot higher.”