Cody: I never felt under pressure

AFTER years holding down one of the most high-pressure positions in Irish sport, 11 Leinster titles, seven All-Irelands, five national leagues Brian Cody doesn’t look a day older than when he took over in late 1998.

In fact, as he eases that large frame into a sitting position in the lush confines of Hotel Kilkenny, folds those powerful arms across the chest in familiar pose, damn it, if anything he even looks younger. “Sure God help me!” he laughed.

Yes, he laughs. I’d say he laughs a lot actually, the smile lines around the eyes a bit of a giveaway, yet the public persona of Brian Cody is that of a deadly serious individual, especially when it comes to hurling.