Cody: the force behind an unbreakable spirit

BRIAN CODY stands in the corner of an emptying dressing-room, wearing his legendary status comfortably. Three All-Ireland titles in four years makes him the most successful Kilkenny manager of all time in a county that rarely breeds failures.

Kilkenny usually reach the summit with artistry and skill, but their 28th title was won in a different manner, by courage, determination and a spirit that Cody began to inject into the Cats when he took over all those winters ago.

“It was always going to be a savage battle and players had to give everything they could for 73 or 74 minutes,” according to the mind behind hurling’s modern masters.