Colin Sheridan: Brian Cody and Kilkenny - stoic to the very last
Kilkenny manager Brian Cody. The stoic Kilkenny boss doesn't let himself be controlled by the desire for pleasure or by the fear of pain, says Colin Sheridan. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
According to the teachings of Stoicism, a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens in the early 3rd century BC, the path to fulfillment is found in accepting the moment as it presents itself. By not allowing yourself to be controlled by the desire for pleasure or by the fear of pain, by using your mind to understand the world and to do your part in nature’s plan, and by working together and treating others fairly and justly.
He’s never publicly admitted it, but Brian Cody’s Kilkenny, in winning their 11 All- Irelands during his stewardship (and 17 semis in 19 tries), have more than dabbled in Stoicism. On Saturday night, as the fog hung over Croke Park like a soft blanket, Kilkenny simply got out-stoic’d by Waterford.
