Despite reports to the contrary, Henry Shefflin has been passed fit to take his place in the Kilkenny team for Sunday's Leinster SHC semi-final against Offaly at Portlaoise. The former Hurler of the Year, who has been named at full forward, will be making his first appearance for the Cats since tearing his cruciate ligament during last year's All-Ireland final victory over Limerick. Shefflin returned to action a few weeks ago with his club Ballyhale Shamrocks, but his inclusion in Brian Cody's starting XV still comes as something of a surprise. His return means that he has not missed a championship game for Kilkenny since making his debut in 1999. Cody hands championship debuts to John Dalton at wing back and Richie Hogan at corner forward. A talented handballer, Hogan is a cousin of the great DJ Carey. With Noel Hickey ruled out, JJ Delaney switches to full back while injury has also cost James Ryall, Derek Lyng and Richie Power starting places. Kilkenny (SH v Offaly): PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, B Hogan, J Dalton; J Fitzpatrick, M Fennelly; M Comerford, M Rice, E Larkin; R Hogan, H Shefflin, E Brennan. Tweet

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