It was the perfect Saturday night in Croke Park for Kilkenny supporters as they witnessed their team claim the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship crown for the third consecutive year.
A 0-22 to 0-17 win against Henry Shefflin’s Galway side was enough for Brian Cody to claim a record-breaking 18th provincial crown in charge of his native county.
While the Kilkenny manager refused to be drawn on the much talked about animosity between himself and his Galway counterpart, he was full of praise for his players and backroom team following yet another historical success.
From TJ Reid to his medical department, the James Stephens clubman had a lot to say when quizzed on a number of issues immediately after the match.
Cody said: “To be Leinster champions is a great achievement for the players and we have the added bonus of advancing to a Leinster semi-final so it’s certainly a great night for the players.
“TJ’s free taking was immense and it was so important. As well as that, our backs defended very well but we are strong everywhere.
“If we had been less than absolutely competitive tonight we wouldn’t have won the game. The work rate was incredible and we were playing a top class team so I’m not concerned with anything. We’ll have to improve but that’s the nature of the championship.
“I’ve never in my life been concerned about having a settled starting fifteen. We have a settled panel who work very hard.
“The matches we’ve played prior to the Leinster final should stand to us ahead of the semi-final. We also have the chance to have a break now due to the four week gap between the games.
“We’re going home to prepare for an All-Ireland semi-final. Whoever we have to play next will be tough, there’s no doubt about it.
“We’re happy that we didn’t pick up any injuries and the fact that so many of our lads have recovered from injuries this year is a credit to our medical team who are absolutely top class. We have complete trust in them and in the players as well.”
Listen back to the full interview on Scoreline Extra by clicking here.
