Cody to take stock of position after final

Brian Cody says he will consider his future as Kilkenny senior hurling manager after the Cats' All-Ireland final showdown with Tipperary on Sunday week.

Cody has managed his native county since 1999, guiding them to seven All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship titles.

Cody is eager to ensure the Cats claim another All-Ireland title at Croke Park on September 6.

"I won't even comment on whether or not I have a few years left (as manager)," he said. "Sunday week is what the whole thing is about and what I'm looking forward to. It's just a terrific place to be."

Reflecting on this year's campaign to date, Cody is delighted that his side have showed great character to come through some tight encounters.

"We have had some serious challenges this year obviously. Everyone spoke about Galway coming into Leinster and how they would be making it a very serious Leinster Championship and making themselves serious contenders for Leinster.

"We had Galway in the first game and it was a huge challenge for us. At times we were struggling in that game and hanging on for dear life and they threatened to overrun us.

"We rode the storm and came out on top and it was a big win for us. We had Dublin then in the Leinster final - a team who had a great run in the league and pushed us to the pin of our collar."

He added: "They were two serious wins and then we had Waterford - they had massive incentive to atone for last year's display and they did it in a major way."