DJ to replace ‘humble’ Dempsey

BRIAN CODY paid tribute to outgoing Kilkenny selector and long-time friend Mick Dempsey amid speculation that DJ Carey is about the join the Cats’ back-room team.

Cody is expected to confirm his return for 2020 in the next few weeks with Carey tipped to join his former manager in the back-room as part of a shake-up that sees Dempsey and Derek Lyng move on. Dempsey joined Cody’s set-up in 2005 and together they launched a golden age for Kilkenny that saw the county secure eight All-Ireland titles over 10 years, including four in a row from 2005-’09.

“Michael’s been with us for so long now, before that with the U-21s,” Cody told KCLR radio. “I mean he’s been working with us in the whole area of strength and conditioning, fitness and in all various aspects from a hurling point of view as well, it’s well documented what he brought to it.”

“I couldn’t speak highly enough of Michael and what he’s done, and again in a very understated way and the very humble way that he worked.

“He had a huge knowledge of everything that’s involved with it, constantly up-skilling himself and keeping ahead of the posse and that.

“Wherever he goes he will bring the same expertise to it. He’s a huge loss.”

Lyng moves on to take charge of the county’s U-20s, a role vacated by Carey.

“It’s an outstanding appointment,” Cody said of Lyng’s move to the U-20 role. “Derek has been working with the seniors for the last number of years and in every single way he can bring so much to it.”