Halloween is here and so are the All Stars, but I don’t think there was anything that counts as a real scare in the 15 hurlers chosen.

Seven-time All-Ireland winner Brian Hogan knows the impression people have is that Brian Cody ruled the Kilkenny dressingroom with an iron fist and that all the players lived in fear of him. But he insists Cody never inhibited his players and sometimes even joined in the laughter. Here he provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes insight into the way Cody empowered his players and continues to turn young hurlers into leaders.

In 2009, a punch from a stranger changed Brian Hogan’s life forever.

Amid raging debate about the growing prevalence of tactics in hurling, former Kilkenny All-Ireland-winning captain Brian Hogan argues that increased tactical awareness has been motivated by desire to find a way to beat the Cats.

"Joey is only a rookie, but he can hold his own here."