CHIN: CATS CAN KEEP SHOW ON THE ROAD
LEE Chin isn’t so sure Brian Cody’s departure will mean big changes in Kilkenny.
Chin’s Wexford have got on top of Cody’s Kilkenny in recent years, and defeated them in this year’s Leinster round robin.
But Cody held the whip hand over Wexford for the first two decades of his 24-year intercounty tenure.
Kilkenny are in the process of hunting Cody’s replacement with Derek Lyng the favourite.
While it’s the end of an era for the Cats, Chin isn’t so sure it will make much difference to the challenge which lies ahead for Wexford.
“Maybe, maybe not,” he said. “There’s a lot of lads there that have been through most of their careers with Brian.
“They know the type of way Brian was, just from what you’d hear on the outside. He has those guys very well prepped and very well organised in their mindset and their mentality.
“That’s the big one for them — their mentality and that’s what they’ll continue to bring.
Strong
“It’s Kilkenny. They have a strong tradition so it will be interesting to see what happens there but again just like any other year, looking forward to meeting them.”
Chin believes that while other counties are getting closer to three-in-a-row All-Ireland champions Limerick, John Kiely’s men have raised the bar again.
He continued: “I suppose in the modern day of hurling and sport, it’s very easy for any team to get up for whoever is at the top.
“For Limerick every day they go out they have to try and defend their titles and it’s an easy motive for any opposition.
“They are always going to try and be their best and throw everything at you.
“That’s why they are great champions, because they have overcome all of those obstacles.
“So look, is the pack getting closer? Maybe, but I think Limerick are just bringing the standard of hurling up more and more every year and teams are in some way following suit and it’s helping.”