A HAPPY CODY IS AN UNNERVING CODY
THOSE who had a few minutes with Brian Cody late last Sunday afternoon were unnerved. Not because the Kilkenny team boss was giving anyone amongst the media pack his deathly, unblinking stare – nobody looks through a journalist on the hunt with a foolish question as dismissively as the most decorated manager in GAA history. No, Cody was happy. He was smiling. He was trading oneliners with journalists after watching his team of absolute no-hopers (my words last week, not Cody’s) grab a draw with Galway in the Leinster final. Those present reported back to the rest of us that it was all very strange. But, let us not forget that Cody is very straight, practical and not at all complicated in his view of life. He has watched his team that is barely three-quarters finished in its build, win a league title and almost sneak a Leinster title into the bargain. Why wouldn’t he be fairly ecstatic? Cody knows that he — and, more importantly, this team under construction — have gained more from 2018 than anyone in Kilkenny thought possible at the start of the year. There is nothing left to fear this season, and still the possibility of small takings. However, defeating Galway in this afternoon’s Leinster final replay would be huge and it is simply not going to happen. Cody might want it, but he does not desperately need it to happen either. Defeat today, one more quick and sweet victory around the corner, and then a respectful defeat, and Kilkenny are back. Job done. Team near completion, and ready to win everything if necessary in 2019.