Cody in, McStay out

GAA manager merry-go-round

BRIAN CODY is expected to extend his reign as Kilkenny hurling boss into a 21st season in the coming weeks, as the new-look Cats look to build on a promising 2018.

Against all odds Kilkenny claimed their ninth league crown under Cody’s watch without the services of Paul Murphy, Colin Fennelly (both on tour of duty with the Army) and the injured Richie Hogan.

That, combined with high-profile retirements in recent years, forced the James Stephens maestro to rebuild, but they had a satisfactory campaign which ended with a two-point defeat to eventual champions Limerick in the All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals.

Cody has been an ever-present on the Kilkenny sideline since taking charge in 1999 and the 11-time All-Ireland-winning manager is closing in on Sean Boylan’s record 24 seasons in charge of the Meath footballers.

It is unclear as of yet whether there will be any changes to his back-room team of Mick Dempsey, Derek Lyng and James McGarry, but the Cats are likely to be without captain Cillian Buckley for next year’s league.

Having nursed a knee problem throughout the summer, Buckley has played no part with his club Dicksboro since the Treaty defeat and is likely to take a lengthy period of time out to rehabilitate the injury.

Elsewhere, Páraic Fanning is expected to succeed Derek McGrath as Waterford hurling manager, with Tony Browne and James Murray part of his backroom team, while Kevin Martin will continue as Offaly boss.