Brian Cody was unconcerned by Kilkenny’s 12-week layoff

Brian Cody had no concerns about the 12-week break Kilkenny endured prior to yesterday’s championship opener.

It was an unprecedented gap for the Cats but they showed little rustiness in seeing off Wexford with aplomb.

“We just prepare as normal, whether it is 12 weeks or two weeks — just prepare properly, in training,” said Cody. “ It wasn’t a question of just waiting for 12 weeks, the lads had club matches and went back to the clubs, so they didn’t stay with us for 12 weeks.

“The lads know how to prepare for these things and we just worked away. Match practice does matter in championship and Wexford had a game against Westmeath, we were conscious of that, even though it was a game they won easy enough.”

Colin Fennelly cried off prior to the game with a knock but Cody played it down. “Colin just got a tap, it was nothing serious, just got a knock on Friday night. He felt fine and if push came to shove, he could have played but we just decided not to risk him. The doctor said to rest him. He wasn’t concussed or anything and Colin was bursting to play but we just decided not to chance it, but chances are he would have been fine.”

Cody also gave his dues to Ger Aylward after his three-goal salvo.

“Ger had a decent game. Ger would have been on the panel for a few years now and he was a very good underage player as well — he has worked hard to put himself in contention and he is now in contention. It is up to himself now to drive things forward again.”

Aylward was glad to put in a fine shift in his first championship start.

After three years in the panel, he showed his worth. “Yeah, it’s hard to get in there but thank God I got a chance and hopefully just kick on from here is all.”