John Kiely praises Brian Cody’s “incredible contribution” as Kilkenny manager steps down

The Limerick manager praised the outgoing Kilkenny boss in the wake of his stepping down.

On Saturday afternoon, 24 hours from the All-Ireland senior football final, one man dominated the headlines.

Brian Cody.

An unusual pairing, Cody and football, but the news of his retirement was bound to grab the attention of the GAA landscape regardless of timing.

One of hurling’s greats, Cody won three All-Ireland medals as a player but it was his 24 years in charge of Kilkenny that he will be remembered for.

His reign included 11 All-Ireland titles, a feat that most likely will never be matched, as well as ten National Leagues and 18 provincial titles.

It was fitting that his last game in charge came against Limerick, the apparent heir to the throne as best team of the century.

Kilkenny gave their all but Limerick found a way and speaking to OffTheBall, John Kiely paid his respects to Cody for his time in charge of the Cats.

“Brian takes the floor and everyone gives him the attention. He was fantastic in the way he addressed the players, he couldn’t be more magnanimous. Praising them in their efforts and proud of his own team’s effort. It was a great game, a titanic battle.

“For Brian, I’m sure he took huge satisfaction for their performance. Probably a little disappointed that they couldn’t give more but they have everything. That was a hallmark of his tenure, you knew exactly what you were getting.

“They always got the absolute maximum out of themselves, and that’s a testament to his planning, preparation and motivation. He always had a hard working, ruthless team on the field that was there from start to finish.

“There’s huge respect across the GAA community for Brian, his dedication and what he has done for numerous teams, not just one. That’s the pinnacle, he didn’t just do it with one set of players and it was always consistent.

“An incredible contribution and I wish him well.”

Kiely currently lies in second behind Cody in terms of All-Ireland wins as manager over the last fifty years, on four as Limerick completed the three in a row.

The Galbally man has some way to go to catch the Kilkenny legend but with the current crop showing no sign of slowing down and time on his side, it could become a conversation in the distant future.