Cody credits hunger for Cats’ victory over Cork
“Hunger can’t be invented, you can’t just grab it,” said Cody. “We hadn’t won since 2003 and we hadn’t been in the final last year, so the hunger was there.
“Most people would have expected Cork to win the All-Ireland and, when we lost JJ Delaney, people would have definitely expected Cork to win – understandably so.
“I’d say that feeling would have been in Cork too, so all those things helped us.
“That might be hard to imagine – and certainly being without JJ could never help a team – but psychologically it can help.”
Cody reiterated his player-based approach to management, saying that players dictate tactics rather than the other way around.
“I always say I don’t get hung up on tactics, and I don’t. Players dictate tactics. You may believe in playing the game in a certain way, but you may not have the players to do so. You give the players you have the opportunity to play to their strengths, which is what I like to think I do.
“In 2002 and 2003 we were branded as a tough, physical team beating the ball in high to our forwards — it was as if we couldn’t hurl. Certainly we had physically strong players at that time who could win their own ball across the half-forward line. Now we don’t have players who are as big, therefore, you can’t expect the same type of play from them.
“The basics don’t change – defending, work rate – but it’s still very much an instinctive game, a game based hugely on skill. Someone like Henry Shefflin is a big guy, physically powerful, but his touch and his vision are unparalleled. Cha is half his size, but he has that touch as well.
“I think you’d snooker yourself by imposing a definite type of tactic on every group of players that you have. You see what you have first and then you try to get the maximum out of them.”
Cody credits the underage structures in the Marble County with producing quality hurlers for the black and amber’s senior outfit.
“Hurling is strong in Kilkenny, but what makes it strong is the work done at underage level. They’re starting kids off at under-six level, and as a primary teacher I think standards are improving. It’s strong in many parts of the county, so hurling is healthy in Kilkenny.”
The manager shows no sign of failing appetite and is looking forward to 2007. “I still enjoy it. Enthusiasm is the most important thing if you want to do this job, and I feel as enthusiastic as I ever did. But it would be hard not to feel like that with the players I’m dealing with. They’re genuine lads, not prima donnas. We have outstanding stars but they don’t behave like that at all.
“I tell the lads to enjoy an All-Ireland win while they can, because the time will come when it’s all about next year. With all the managerial changes I’m already looking forward to next year’s championship. People talk about doom and gloom in hurling, but it’s an untouchable game. Croke Park and Thurles on those days, I can’t think of a better place to be.”
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