Cody looks to league to whet Cats’ appetite

THE hurling season got underway yesterday, as it ended last September, with Kilkenny manager Brian Cody centre stage as Allianz celebrated the beginning of its 10th national league in the Berkeley Court Hotel, Dublin.

Cody, flanked by two new kids on the managerial block Limerick boss Dave Keane and Dublin's Marty Morris used the occasion to take a swipe at those who talk down the league. After all, it was Kilkenny's successful league campaign last year that set the tone for the marvellous summer ahead. And the affable schoolteacher is hoping for something similar this year, for his success-laden players to rediscover their hunger.

"I certainly hope we will find a few players in this league campaign," said Cody, who has to plan without Allstar full-back Noel Hickey for Sunday's opener with Waterford.