Saturday July 23rd will be remembered as a momentous day in GAA spheres, with Brian Cody departing the Kilkenny manager job after 24 years in charge.
The legendary manager won an incredible 11 All-Ireland senior titles and 18 Leinster titles during his time in charge of the Cats. His management of Kilkenny came after a successful playing career, which saw him win three All-Irelands with the county.
Hurling world pays tribute to departing Brian Cody
The Kilkenny County Board announced the departure of Brian Cody in a statement on Saturday afternoon. They said:
On behalf of Kilkenny people everywhere, Kilkenny County Board extends sincere gratitude to Brian for his lifetime of contribution to the county and the commitment and passion he brought as a player and as manager, working tirelessly with a single aim, to do what was best for Kilkenny hurling. The Board would also like to acknowledge the bond Brian helped create between Team Management, Players, County Board, Clubs and Supporters Clubs as all worked seamlessly together in preparing our teams while organising and promoting our games.
We are aware of the huge debt we owe Brian for the wonderful successes and occasions we have enjoyed as we watched the teams he created play and succeed. Wherever and whenever our games are discussed in the future, Brian Cody's achievements will be the benchmark managers will be measured by.
It is a mark of the man that, on All-Ireland football final weekend, it was a hurling manager who was the talk of the GAA world.
Former Kilkenny player Jackie Tyrrell, who played under Cody for 14 seasons, led the tributes to the legendary manager.
One of the very very lucky ones to have witnessed Brian Cody up close in action. His passion and love for Kilkenny hurling is unparalleled. Honoured to have been managed by the greatest Manager ever #BC
— Jackie Tyrrell (@MrJackieTee) July 23, 2022
Brian Cody 🐈 pic.twitter.com/e10do8Vasz
— TG4TV 🫶 (@TG4TV) July 23, 2022
When the history books are written…he’ll stand tallest. #BrianCody pic.twitter.com/f1ZLfQPTZv
— Ryan O Neill (@bigR244) July 17, 2022
Brian Cody steps down.
11 All-Ireland senior titles…
ELEVEN!! 👏👏👏👏— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) July 23, 2022
There will never be anyone like Brian Cody. He embodied Kilkenny hurling and Kilkenny hurling embodied him. #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) July 23, 2022
Brian Cody - simply the greatest! I doubt we will ever see the likes of him again. End of an incredible era for the cats! 🟡⚫️
— Conor Moore (@ConorSketches) July 23, 2022
Brian Cody's trophy haul with Kilkenny was incredible, but even when they lacked the stardust, Kilkenny had the warrior spirit in them. That will endure alongside the silverware. Their 2019 win over Limerick was one of the hardest working team displays you'll see in any sport
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) July 23, 2022
There aren’t enough words to do the man justice
I got to live a dream & play for Kilkenny
Thank you so much Brian Cody 🖤🧡#BC pic.twitter.com/6bgkjamqtl— Eddie Brennan (@NedzerB13) July 23, 2022
Brian Cody 🐐
Will never see the likes of the man again. A pleasure to witness his greatness.
Up The Cats 🐱— Andy Valentine (@andyvalentine94) July 23, 2022
Get the feeling that Kilkenny people won’t fully realise what they had until he’s gone. Brian Cody, broke our hearts more than anyone, and is the greatest GAA manager that has ever lived.
— David Connors (@peterswellman) July 23, 2022
24 years as Kilkenny manager.
17 All Ireland appearances.
11 All Ireland titles.
Thank you Brian Cody, wishing you and Elsie many happy years in retirement. #BrianCody pic.twitter.com/VFSRmmk2pB— John Paul Phelan (@JPPhelan) July 23, 2022
We’ll never see the likes of Brian Cody ever again.
As a hurling fan, I’m devastated.
As a Wexford fan, I say thanks be to god for that.— Aidan Delaney (@aidand472) July 23, 2022
Brian Cody. A hurling legend. Broke so many opposition supporters & hurling teams hearts yet achieved more than any manager for his own. End of an era. Slan Anois. #Cody 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/9a2Dyxuxvc
— Stephen Gleeson (@StephenGleeson_) July 23, 2022
Brian Cody's impact on the GAA world cannot be overstated, and he leaves a massive hole at the top of Kilkenny hurling.
Questions will now turn to who will take over in charge of the Cats - it will take a serious manager to maintain the excellence of Brian Cody.
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