Hogan’s return comforts Cats boss Cody

It’s the tale of the two Richies for Kilkenny manager Brian Cody this week as he prepares his side for the Allianz Hurling League division 1A final against Cork in Semple Stadium, two very contrasting stories.

First there’s the loss of ace forward Richie Power, top scorer for the Cats so far in this competition, and by some distance (3-49, Eoin Larkin next on 2-16); then there’s the early return of Richie Hogan, badly injured in an accidental clash with Galway keeper Jamie Ryan only a month ago.

Brian was at the game last weekend in which Richie Power suffered his injury, his own club James Stephens up against Richie’s Carrickshock (won by Carricshock). Cody didn’t actually see the incident: “I was the far side of the field, didn’t realise Richie was on the ground for a while.”